Will retaliate if the Aussies sledge us: Ravi Shastri

Team India is all set to host Australia for a 5-match limited overs series. The war of words has already begun with the series about to kick off. Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has made it clear that his team will not bog down one bit in any aspect during the series. In a recent conversation with India TV, he mentioned that the Indian players will not stay quiet if the Aussies come hard and sledge them during the games.

“If the Australians sledge us, we will not stay quiet. We will also retaliate,” remarked Ravi Shastri. Shastri rightly cited that the rivalry between India and Australia is always intense. He pointed out how a few players had verbal duels during the Test series between the two sides earlier this year. He is expecting the temperatures to soar during this limited overs leg of the tour as well.

“Any series between India and Australia is a big one. Since we don’t play Pakistan much often, the series between India and Australia is one of the biggest rivalries in cricket. Both teams are similar. In the Test series, we saw a lot of flare-ups between the two teams and it might be possible that we can see some reactions in this series as well,” he quoted.

On fatigue factor

Team India is lined up to play 23 international matches by the end of this year. They have been playing continuous cricket all the year around. Speaking about the same, Ravi Shastri opined that the players need their rest. He mentioned that he has spoken to the BCCI in this regard to have proper gaps between two international series.

“The boys are playing too much cricket these days. It is difficult for a guy to play three formats consecutively. Virat, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan should all get timely rest. I have asked the BCCI to keep more gaps between the series. Players should get proper rest as they get mentally tired and it can affect their performance on the field,” he said.

On the team balance

A very confident Indian coach then remarked that the current Indian side is a very balanced one. The team is not dependent on any one particular player. Every time there is a crisis situation, some or the other player put their hands up and take up the responsibility.

“This team is not dependent on one person, when Virat doesn’t score, Rohit does. And when these two fail, then Shikhar scores or Hardik Pandya bats well in the deep. Then we have MS Dhoni and even Bhuvneshwar can bat,” mentioned Shastri.