The Story
The Team India has experienced a change of culture in recent years after Virat Kohli finally took over as the leader of the side in all three formats.
When playing under MS Dhoni, India was recognised as a calm bunch of performance centric players, but now there is a dash of outright aggression and ruthless approach with Kohli at the helm of affairs.
For many of us, this mean approach may seem new, but for the ones who have been following cricket for more than a couple of decade, the present leadership quite quickly appears to be a reflection of the time Sourav Ganguly was the captain.
Former Australia skipper Michal Clarke, who has played against Sourav Ganguly and lead the Australian teams against both MS Dhoni and Michael Clarke, also spoke about the same facts in a recent interview.
Team boasts of Pride and Aggression
Clarke pointed out that the sort of pride and aggression which the Virat Kohli & Co resonate now is quite similar to the attitude Sourav Ganguly and his side displayed back in their time.
“I think there are similarities in this Indian team and Australian units over the years. To be honest, I must say that Sourav Ganguly deserves a lot of credit for the environment he created. He never took a backseat, and that has transpired on. Dhoni, Kumble, Kohli have all done it their own way. Led by an aggressive skipper they are not afraid to lose. But credit must go to Sourav,” he said.
Expect Intense Performances
Australia and India are set to clash once again in the limited-overs format. Both sides have a point to prove in the upcoming series and will likely produce a good amount of thrilling cricketing action.
Both the teams earlier played an intense Border – Gavaskar series late last year and the same level of intensity is being expected this time as well. Clarke stated that this series would serve as a preparation for the Aussies for the 2019 World Cup.
“The support staff has to work out the way they wish to play. Whether they want to play an aggressive brand of cricket or wish to hold back and play the full quota of overs. We still have some way to go before the 2019 world cup, but honestly, we have not won as much as we would like. A carrot right there for Smith and the boys because if they win 4-1, then they become the no.1 side again,” he said.
Playing Condition Related Excuses Unacceptable
Clarke also pointed out that the Australians cannot blame the condition if they perform badly. He mentioned that the current crop of cricketers knows the Indian surrounding much better than their predecessors, as they have gained the experience of playing on the Indian soil regularly.
“The experience of playing in India makes it all the easier for the Aussies. India is like a second home for these guys as they have played in the IPL. They know the conditions and the opposition so there can’t be any excuse for Smith and boys,” he reiterated.