Write off Australia at your own peril, says Sunil Gavaskar

India drew first blood when they romped home in a rain-curtailed game held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. The Australians kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were never in line to chase down the revised target of 164 from 21 overs after India posted 281 for 7 in 50 overs.

Gavaskar believes Australia will fight back

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has warned India to write Australia off already. The Australians are known to be tough competitors and will look to bounce back quickly, unlike Sri Lanka who are facing a cricketing crisis these days. Gavaskar also said that the visitors might be tempted to add an extra bowler in the XI to counter the power-packed India batting line-up.

“Don’t write the Australians off,” said Gavaskar in an exclusive chat with NDTV. This Australian team will bounce back. India will not find this series easy as they did against Sri Lanka. Australia have world class players in form of Steve Smith and David Warner,” said the first man to score 10,000 Test runs.

The likes of Maxwell, Smith, and Warner will have to step up if they want their side to do well on this tour. They have immense experience of playing in India and are established international cricketers. The second game will be played at the Eden Gardens on Thursday but rain is set to play spoilsport on the day.

Gavaskar praises Dhoni, Pandya

Speaking about India’s win in Chennai, Gavaskar praised Dhoni’s contribution and impact on the younger players. According to the former opener, the Jharkhand stumper guided both Jadhav and Pandya as he was involved in crucial partnerships with both of them. The ‘Little Master’ was of high praises for the evolvement of Hardik Pandya, whose innings was a game-changer.

“MS Dhoni guided Kedar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya,” said Gavaskar. “Hardik Pandya’s innings was a game-changing innings and two years experience before the 2019 World Cup can make Hardik Pandya a game-changer player,” concluded Gavaskar.

Pandya has been a revelation for the Indians ever since he debuted for India last year. His tremendous six-hitting ability prospers well for the side ahead of the World Cup in England. The evolution of twin wrist spinners Chahal and Kuldeep is another bright prospect for the ‘Men in Blue’.