AUS v IND 2018-19: VVS Laxman responds to Ricky Ponting's comment on rattling Virat Kohli

Laxman also shared mantras to win the Test series in Australia.

Ricky Ponting stops Virat Kohli from getting into an altercation | Getty File Photo

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman, who used to dominate the Australians with the bat, has an important advise for Indian cricket team gearing up to face Australia in a four-match Test series.

It won't be easy for the Indian team as it is said by the cricket pundits. Even when Australian stalwarts aren't part of the squad, the Kangaroos are capable of snatching away the victory in their backyard.

India is eyeing their maiden Test series win in Australia and in order to step closer to their target, Laxman believes all the Indian batsmen will to click at right time. The series can't be secured by the effort of one or two batsmen.

As per India TV, Laxman called India favorites but also warned them of going easy in absence of Steve Smith and David Warner. "If you compare both the teams on paper, India are definitely favorites to win the Test series. Potentially the Indian team is much better than the Australian team. However, no team is ever weak in their own backyard. If Virat Kohli and the Indian team play to its potential, it can definitely beat this Australian team," he said.

India has failed to capitalize the key moments of the game in the last couple of away series this year. "India needs to keep two important things in mind... their batting in the first innings because you would like to put up big first innings total when you are playing abroad. You can't rely on one or two batsmen for that and there has to be a collective contribution.

"Secondly, India has also failed to win the crucial moments in South Africa and England. This resulted in the respective series losses. So it will be really important for India to win such moments whenever they arrive in the next few weeks," said Laxman.

For Indian captain Virat Kohli, Laxman said his form makes every ground in the world his favorite. He also wished luck to Kohli as this series is going to be an important one for him as a captain.

VVS Laxman gives his verdict on who should play at no.6 - Vihari or RohitIndia has named their 12-man squad for the first Test and there is a debate on whether they should go with Hanuma Vihari or Rohit Sharma. For Laxman, it's Rohit. "I will definitely play Rohit at no. 6 instead of Hanuma Vihari. even though the latter has made the runs and proved himself in the recent past, Rohit has the class and experience to succeed in Australian conditions. He is gifted with a game that is suited to the high pace and bounce of the Australian wickets," said Laxman.

Laxman also commented on former Aussie players statements which asked the Australian cricketers to rattle Kohli. He believes it just to fan the fire. "Even when Mitchell Johnson was on fire four years ago, Virat ended up scoring hundreds which are proof enough that he will do it this time as well regardless of whether the Aussies bowl, short, wide or full to him."

"The first match is going to be crucial in Adelaide. It is important for Virat Kohli to perform well and also lead the team in a similar fashion. If India can create some sort of momentum in the first Test they can carry it forward. It was great to see Kohli hit the twin hundreds in his first match as India's Test captain on India's last tour and I am hoping he will continue to do so this time as well," he signed off. 

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 05 Dec, 2018

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