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Shastri reflecting on the New Zealand series felt that India would be smart in their approach for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia.
Former India Head Coach, Ravi Shastri was part of the Indian team that won two Test tours in Australia. (Getty Images)
The former India Head Coach who helped India take series victories over Australia in their tours in 2018-19 and 2020-21, Ravi Shastri believes that India will be keen on getting back on track after being caught ‘unaware’ during the home Test series against New Zealand.
Shastri reflecting on the New Zealand series felt that India would be smart in their approach for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia and felt that they were complacent in their approach.
“India will be smarting from that defeat in that series against New Zealand because they were caught unawares,” Shastri told The ICC Review.
“They were a little complacent and they paid the price for it. But having said that, it’s a very proud team, this Indian team,” he added.
Hurting from the crushing home-series defeat, Shastri reckons that the best way to bounce back is to start off fresh in a new series and the first two games in Perth and Adelaide will be key in India’s chances to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“They would be hurting and they’d like to get back on track ASAP. The best way to bounce back from such a series, is (to) start off another series in a good manner, so the first two Test matches become extremely crucial going ahead,” he said.
Another key aspect that Shastri feels the Indian team should have is a good state of mind for the players. He feels that Gambhir and the team management would need to take measures to ensure that the players are focused and clear on their approach for the coming series and also take confidence from their previous victories in Australia to their advantage.
“The most important thing will be to ensure that they start off well; they keep the players in a good state of mind. That will be the most important thing for the coach,” he said.
“It’s playing on their mind, confidence-wise. You can’t go to the negatives. Think about the positives,” he added.
“Think about what you did in Australia last time around and take it ahead from there. Put what (has) happened behind you. These are different conditions and some of the tracks in Australia when you get in are probably the best to bat,” Shastri said.
(with PTI Inputs)
