Saba Karim warns Team India following their hard-fought win against Bangladesh

It was Ravichandran Ashwin and Shreyas Iyer’s rescue job that helped team India clinch the series 2-0 from the jaws of defeat against Bangladesh in the second Test in Mirpur. Former India selector Saba Karim warned the side as he insisted on gearing up for the challenges ahead of them next year.

Team India is in contention for a spot in the summit clash of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 cycle. Saba Karim stated that the narrow win to Bangladesh was a ‘wake-up call’ for the side and must be ready for the forthcoming red-ball series against Australia.

“It’s a wake-up call for Team India. It’s crucial to address the issues in this Test match. We’ll play Test matches against Australia. We are only talking about qualifying for the World Test Championship, but we also need to win the WTC. Don’t repeat the mistakes,” said Karim as quoted by India Today.

“Team India batters are unable to pick the spinners' length. We are tentative in our defence. The batters need to work on their batting against spinners,” added Karim.

Australia won’t give you a chance if you are complacent: Saba Karim

India will lock horns with Australia in a four-match red-ball series at home in February-March 2023. Both sides are in contention for spots in the finals of the ICC WTC 2021-23. The former wicketkeeper-batter further stated that the Aussies will pose a stiff challenge and India must not take the rivals ‘complacently’. 

“There is room for improvement. How you played Mehidy Hasan, losing seven wickets in no time. Australia won’t give you a chance if you are complacent. Leave no stones unturned. We can challenge them and win the crucial series at home,” concluded Karim.

Australia stands on top of the WTC points table following their comprehensive win over South Africa in the first Test match at the Gabba. On the other hand, India registered a 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh and cruised into the second spot in the standings.