Virat Kohli's Indian team will only get better, claims Michael Hussey
What's the story?
Former Australian Test stalwart Mike Hussey has made a bold claim regarding the Indian cricket team under Virat Kohli's stewardship, stating that they will only get better on future tours. India's struggles overseas are well documented and, in keeping with the script, they struggled in the first two Tests of the series against South Africa before clawing their way back in the final encounter.
Hussey though has not placed much weight on those two defeats, despite India having entered the series as favourites.
In case you didn't know...
India travelled to the Rainbow Nation following series victories against Bangladesh, Australia and Sri Lanka in 2017. However, their bubble burst as early as the second day of the first Test when they found themselves in the firing line of the South African seamers.
However, riding on impressive performances from their skipper, they managed to pull things back at the fag end of the tour, emerging victorious in the final Test before annihilating the hosts in the ongoing ODI leg.
The heart of the matter
“They (India) are a fantastic team. It is no disgrace losing to South Africa in South Africa; you see a lot of teams travelling and the away teams struggle. We saw England struggle in the Ashes, we see Australia struggle when they go to England, and we see Australia struggling in India and India when (they) come in Australia,” he stated.
“Away teams find it hard. India have a fantastic team, very well led by Virat Kohli, and they will continue to get better,” Hussey went on to add.
What's next?
India's next overseas assignment will be against England, following which they are slated to travel to Australia and New Zealand as well in what will truly be a test of their credentials.
Author's take
Hussey's comments probably stem from the fact that India managed to pull off an impressive heist of sorts, after having struggled in the opening two Tests of their tour. The way Kohli has marshalled his troops after the ignominy of a false start to the much-hyped tour deserves appreciation, and Hussey's words will hold the Indian side in good stead as they move to the final leg of their three-part tour.