India will be back among top two Test teams in next 12 months: Ravi Shastri
India’s horror run in overseas Tests continued on Tuesday as they succumbed to yet another Test series loss in Australia, even though they managed to muster a draw in the third Test at Melbourne. They haven't managed to win an overseas Test series since defeating the West Indies in 2011, and have won only two out of their last 23 Tests abroad.
But if one goes by what former India captain and current Indian Team Director Ravi Shastri has to say, then this team will certainly be back to winning ways in overseas conditions in the near future.
The 52-year-old feels that the mindset of this current lot is something that stands out, and that is what makes him feel optimistic about the team’s chances in the future.
“What I am more focused on is the mindset to go out and perform. The scoreline does not matter,” Shastri told Star Sports after the conclusion of the third Test in Melbourne.
He also heaped praise on the manner in which Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane took on the Australian quicks on day three of the Melbourne Test and added that if given a year’s time, this time has the potential to be back among the top two in the world.
"Two young turks took the attack to the opposition and Australia took notice. I am happy with the mindset. The batting that I saw on day three was something I have not seen in a long time. The whole of Australia stood up. India have not come out to compete, they are here to win. Mark my words, give this team 12 months and they will be back in the top two,” he said.
He also conceded that the workload on the bowling attack is huge when India take the field with only three quicks and also added that India are missing a player in the top six who can bowl a bit of seam-up if needed.
"If you have three fast bowlers, the workload is hard. One needs a fifth bowler. The way India bowled on the fifth morning, they have the confidence to keep Australia quiet. We will go to Sydney without a care in the world.
"What we miss overseas is a batsman who can bowl a bit. When Sourav Ganguly was there, he could bowl 10-15 overs. Combinations have to be tried out that can fit the billing.” he concluded.