Former India head coach Ravi Shastri reckons that the upcoming two-Test series in New Zealand will be an uphill task for Shubman Gill and Co. India are currently fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with Australia and New Zealand occupying the top two spots respectively.
The two-Test series against New Zealand begins in Wellington on November 19, following which India will host Australia for a five-Test series starting in Nagpur on January 21.
Ravi Shastri
“It’s not going to be easy for India, given where they stand on the [WTC] table, with Australia winning the first Test against South Africa in South Africa, and a home series [against Australia] to follow. For India, it’s an uphill task. They have to win 90 per cent of the games. That means winning the remaining two Tests in New Zealand and at least four out of five against Australia in India. So, it’s not impossible, but by then, you have to see what these three teams [Australia, New Zealand and South Africa] have done,” Shastri told mid-day during a select media interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, when asked about India’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final.
Shastri, 64, who made his Test debut in Wellington in 1981, scored 3,830 runs and claimed 151 wickets in 80 Tests. He advised Indian batters to adapt quickly to New Zealand conditions.
“I’ll be surprised if they [New Zealand] don’t play in conditions that suit their fast bowlers. It’ll be a real test to adapt to the moving ball and the conditions, because New Zealand can be extremely windy, where the ball will not only swing but also seam around. That’s something they have to adapt to very quickly. From the bowlers’ point of view, they won’t get a better chance, especially the fast bowlers, to make a mark and leave an impression,” Shastri said.
He also pointed out that Australia are the only team to have had the upper hand over New Zealand in their own conditions.
India’s upcoming five-match ODI series in New Zealand, beginning in Auckland on November 4, will be an important test ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa. Shastri, however, stressed the need for India to improve their fielding.
“The biggest improvement I want to see is in fielding, because it has dipped alarmingly. To win a World Cup or compete in one, the fielding standards are way below par at the moment. That has to be raised, along with greater consistency in batting and bowling,” Shastri warned.