Kolkata: Former Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar chose India to be the favourites when they take on a visiting Australian team towards the end of February. Simultaneously, he also cautioned the Kohli- led Indian team to not take the Aussies lightly.
The series between India and Australia which would have four test matches, is scheduled to start from February 23 in Pune.
According to reports from the PTI, the legendary batsman was launching a new range of sportswear and sports equipment named ,” Sachin by Spartan” and this is what he said, “The last thing one would like to do is underestimate your opposition and Australia is a strong side. Yes, to play in Indian conditions it would be difficult and Australian players have also acknowledged that, which is a compliment to the Indian team, the way they are playing but you cannot take things for granted.”
But his words exuded confidence when he said, “I have no doubt that our team will prepare to their best of the ability and deliver when it matters. Australian are going to be tough to handle and that’s how it has always been. But I think I am confident of Indian team.”
An iconic figure in Indian cricket, Sachin stressed on the fact that one should spend more time in gyms and less time on eating food. Speaking of the fitness, the ,”Master Blaster” had earlier showered lots of praises on the Indian fielding unit and said that they are one of the best in the world.
He also went on to say that the Indian fielding is just a, “joy to watch” while he was talking about the importance of maintaining proper fitness levels in sports today.
This is what the legend said, “I think we have possibly one of the best fielding sides in the world. It is a joy to watch all these guys fielding the way they do. Even when fielding they are extremely aggressive and attacking.”
Australia has experienced a mixed run in Tests off-late as they were beaten at home by the dominant Proteas. After some wholesale changes were made to the Test squad, the Aussies regained some of their lost pride as they whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 Down Under.
On the other hand, the Virat Kohli-led Indian team has been absolutely phenomenal in the five-day format as they would enter the series after beating heavyweights like South Africa, New Zealand and England. No wonder the number 1 ranked side would be the firm favourites when these two teams lock horns. Nonetheless, it would be an interesting contest to watch.