‘That's what complacency and overconfidence can do’ - Ravi Shastri opens up after India’s loss in third Test

After India’s embarrassing defeat at the hands of Australia in the third Test in Indore, former head coach Ravi Shastri has blamed the hosts for taking things lightly and being overconfident. The Rohit Sharma-led side was poor with the bat, scoring only 109 and 163 runs in the two innings.

Meanwhile, Shastri believes that the Indian team dropped the guard and were a little complacent in the match. He stated that some of the shots played were pretty bad and the team analyse that before the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, which is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium from March 9.

“This is what a little complacency, a little bit of overconfidence can do where you take things for granted, you drop guard and this game will bring you down,” Shastri said on air. “I think it was a combination of all these things when you actually cast your mind back to the first innings, see some of the shots played, see some of the over-eagerness to try and dominate in these conditions. You reflect back, take a step back or two to analyse."

Playing for spots can create a different mindset: Matthew Hayden

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, who was part of the commentary team, stated some of the Indian players were playing for their spot in the XI and that needs to change. Citing an example of Travis Head, Hayden highlighted the importance of punching above the weight.

“Change of team too. KL Rahul dropped. Some of those things can be a bit destabilising, players playing for their spots and their opportunities can create a different mindset. This can be said about Travis Head. He was left out of the first Test but came out with a fire in the belly from the second Test, something Australians are known for. Punching above our weight, in spite of the conditions,” the former cricketer added.