The Indian Premier League (IPL) brings the players from across the world closer and consecutively; players build great camaraderie, albeit they are arch-rival when they are wearing national jerseys. Its impact was also seen in the second ODI between India and Australia when KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal and Aaron Finch exchanged smiles even though the Australian captain was hit on the stomach off Navdeep Saini’s ball.
Zaheer Khan has pointed out that the fierce rivalry between India and Australia should not turn friendly. He suggests India’s head coach Ravi Shastri to remind the team about the infamous ‘Monkey Gate’ episode in 2008 to bring that intensity in the field and provoke Australia.
“Knowing the coach Ravi Shastri, he should take a leaf out of old school cricket and maybe remind Smith and Warner about what has happened a couple of years back (sandpaper gate),” said Zaheer on Cricbuzz Live. “At times when things aren’t going your way you just have to find something to bring out that intensity.”
They have to pick that fight maybe: Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan added that bringing back the fighting spirit in India would help the Virat Kohli’s men to be in a good zone considering that it is a long tour.
“They have to pick that fight maybe. Not in a bad way — staying in the boundaries and bringing out that intensity at times. Forget about what is going your way, what’s not and just get in the zone, which really helps bring out the best in you,” said Zaheer.
“Ravi has been good at it so I think that’s something he should definitely ponder because it’s going to be a long tour. They should try everything and anything possible,” Zaheer Khan maintained.
Meanwhile, India has already lost the ODI series against Australia, although the result of the last match is still not out. As of now, the visitors have given 303 runs target in the third ODI, being played in Canberra.