The much-awaited India’s tour of Australia starts November 21 with a three-match T20I series, which will be followed by a four-match Test series and three-match ODI series.
Australia is considered to be one of the toughest places to win a series and India have got a golden opportunity to make a comeback after a couple of poor overseas performances in the earlier tours due to the absence of biggies like Steve Smith and David Warner.
However, according to Ravi Shastri, the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya is not a good sign for India. Hardik, who is currently recovering from a lower back injury has been rested for the forthcoming tour. Though his performance was not up to the mark in England, he performed exceptionally well in the third Test by picking up a five-wicket haul, which helped his side to turn the table.
After arriving in Australia for the big tour, Shastri has shared how Pandya’s absence would be a loss to the Indian team. “One player we’ll really miss is Hardik Pandya, who’s had an injury because he gives that balance to the side as a bowler and a batsman which allows you to play that extra bowler. Now we’ve got to think twice, but hopefully, our fast bowlers do well and we don’t miss him that much,” India’s head coach said.
The 56-year-old is also confident that the seamers will enjoy bowling on Australian pitches.
“I think they should enjoy bowling on these pitches if they are the pitches like we’ve seen in the past. It is important we stay fit as a unit because that is when you can get the best out of them,” he concluded.
Prior to Shastri, even Michael Hussey had mentioned the drawbacks of not having Hardik Pandya at the tour, “I think Hardik is a wonderful talent and I am sure his game style would have been suited to the Australian conditions. Add to that, the balance he offers the team with his all-around abilities, yes I think his absence will hurt India,” Hussey had said.
