If this is the last time Virat Kohli is in Australia, enjoy it because he is a superstar, so is Rohit Sharma: Justin Langer
Former Australian batter and ex-head coach Justin Langer has backed India to do well in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite their 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home. He also urged fans to enjoy the performance of Indian superstar Virat Kohli, as this might as well be his last tour Down Under.
Kohli, who turned 36 earlier this month, has been woefully short of runs in the last few months. Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who's set to miss the opening Test in Perth, has also been struggling for form. In fact, India lost to New Zealand 3-0 at home despite most of their big names being present, while the Kiwis were without the services of their most experienced batter - Kane Williamson.
In the wake of India's shocking performance against New Zealand at home, many fans and critics fear the worst for the visitors Down Under. Speaking to The West Australian, though, Langer termed India a champion side.
“One thing you never do is write off champions, and that’s in every sport, because they are a champion for a reason. In India, there are one and a half billion cricket-loving people, and then count all the rest around the world, they expect nothing but excellence, and the team will be under intense pressure, so how they fight back will be important," Langer said.
Langer also urged fans to enjoy the performances of superstar Indian players like Kohli, Rohit, spin bowling all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja and lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
“And they’ll be getting written off for being too old, but people say that all the time, and I just can’t wait to see them play. I just hope, if this is the last time (Kohli) is out here, people enjoy it because he is a superstar, so is Rohit Sharma, so is (Ravi) Ashwin, so is (Ravi) Jadeja, so is (Jasprit) Bumrah," the former Aussie cricketer stated.
With the exception of Bumrah (30), all the other abovementioned Indian players are either in their mid or late 30s. Rohit is 37, Ashwin 38, Kohli 36, while Jadeja will turn 36 in December. This might as well be Australia's last chance to watch the big Indian names in action.
"India will be humbled and equally determined" - Langer on 3-0 whitewash against Kiwis
Sharing his thoughts on India being hammered 3-0 at home by the Kiwis, Langer admitted that the result would have been a humbling experience for Rohit and the entire team. He, however, added that India would be all that more determined to get things right in Australia in the wake of what transpired against New Zealand.
“India losing to New Zealand is a bit like North Melbourne beating Brisbane in the grand final at the moment. And not for one millisecond is that disrespect for New Zealand, because they are the great overachievers; they are brilliant," the former Australian opener said.
“I think they’d won two Test matches (in India), and to win the series 3-0, that’s an amazing achievement. They’ve just been beaten three-nil by New Zealand, so India will be humbled by that and equally determined to remedy it because the pressure on them will be intense,” Langer concluded.
The five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off at the Optus Stadium in Perth with the opening Test starting Friday, November 22.