"I actually do" - Brad Haddin fears India will play Kanpur-style cricket in IND vs AUS 2024 Test series
Former Australian keeper-batter Brad Haddin has opined that Team India can fully repeat their Kanpur Test exploits in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. At the same time, the former New South Wales cricketer feels it was amazing to watch India go for the win.
With two full days lost due to rain and wet outfield, India went on to dismiss Bangladesh after lunch on Day 4 for 233. Later, they blazed away to a lead of 52 only in 34.4 overs and left Bangladesh with two down by stumps. The two sides returned on the final day as it culminated in India chasing down a target of 95 with more than 40 overs to spare.
On being asked on the LiSTNR podcast whether India can repeat the same tactics against Australia, Haddin said he believes it is possible. He remarked:
"I actually do. Because if you look at this result... the worst result for India would've been a draw. There was no way India would've lost it. Rohit had nothing to lose. How good was it to watch! It's a wonderful way to win Test cricket."
India have won the last two series in Australia and will be eyeing a record hat-trick of victories when they visit Down Under later this year. The Indian team has also won the last four Test series against Australia.
"The mindset of Rohit Sharma to find a way to manipulate a result....teams are scared" - Brad Haddin
Haddin stated that he takes his hat off to captain Rohit Sharma and the support staff for forcing a result and going for the win despite a draw looking like the most proximate result. The 46-year-old added:
"They gave themselves a chance to win the game. It wasn't about how many runs I score, it's about finding enough time to bowl Bangladesh out. They played a great brand of cricket, but it was all about giving them enough time. My hat goes off to support staff, Rohit Sharma... he has always been this sort of captain: Win first. I love the style of cricket.
"They could've had a net session, gone for a draw, no one would have said a thing. The mindset of Rohit Sharma to find a way to manipulate a result... teams are scared to go 10 runs/over in 20 overs cricket! So, I take my hats off to India."
India's Test series against Australia begins on November 22.