"Team India could benefit if they have the services of Tendulkar as the batting consultant" - WV Raman on 2024-25 BGT
Former India cricketer WV Raman has suggested the side appoint legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar as their batting consultant for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The five-match Test series between India and Australia starts in Perth on November 22.
Rohit Sharma's men go into the series after an abysmal showing at home in the recent New Zealand affair. India suffered a 0-3 whitewash and surrendered their first home Test series in over a decade.
Their batting in the series came under heavy criticism, with scores below 300 in five out of the six innings. India also registered their lowest-ever total at home — 46 all out — in the first innings of the opening Test.
Taking to his X handle, Raman opined that Tendulkar's services could help the Indian batters combat Australian conditions.
"I think that #TeamIndia could benefit if they have the services of Tendulkar as the batting consultant in their prep for the #BGT2025. Enough time between now and the 2nd test. Roping in consultants is rather common these days. Worth a thought?" he wrote.
India have a 10-day break from the end of the first Test (November 26) to the start of the second Test (December 6).
Another former Mumbai batter and legend of Indian cricket, Sunil Gavaskar served as an advisor for the side during the 2004 home series against Australia. Meanwhile, India's support staff has the likes of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, performing the role of batting coach.
Sachin Tendulkar excelled in Australian conditions during his Test career
Sachin Tendulkar excelled in Australian conditions like very few have in cricket history. While the Little Master could never help India win a Test series Down Under, he scored over 1,800 runs in Tests in Australia at a stellar average of 53.20.
Tendulkar also boasts six Test centuries in Australia, including a brilliant 241* in the final Test of the 2003-04 series in Sydney.
The champion batter is also the all-time leading run-scorer in India-Australia Tests with 3,630 runs at an average of 55, including 11 centuries.
Meanwhile, Team India won the last two Test series in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21 and will look to complete an extraordinary hat-trick in the upcoming tour Down Under.