Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah (AP photo)
NEW DELHI: The opening Test of the blockbuster
Border–Gavaskar Trophy
is less than a week away and former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh feels that India will need a solid start in Perth as a win in the opener will boost the side's confidence going forward in the gruelling tour.
India were blown away in the recently concluded three-Test series against New Zealand at home where the visitors blanked Rohit Sharma and Co. 3-0.
Harbhajan said that the series loss would have shaken the confidence of the team but he isn't too worried about the Indian batters as home conditions were completely different than what they will get Down Under.
The former India spinner said that India have a 50-50 chance of retaining the Trophy and the batters will come good on bouncy surfaces in Australia.
"It's 50-50. I am not considering the cricket India played recently because conditions were different. Even solid batters gave the feeling they didn't know how to bat (against New Zealand). People were saying that seniors should go and play Ranji Trophy. That won't solve the purpose. Australia will have good conditions. Pitches will be good," Harbhajan said on Jatin Sapru YouTube channel.
BGT Series Breakdown - Team Analysis, Predictions & Top Picks ft. Harbhajan Singh & Jatin Sapru
Star India batters had a tough home season and KL Rahul in particular was horrible as he was also dropped from the XI during the New Zealand series. Harbhajan backed Rahul to shine Down Under, pointing out India will need someone like a (Cheteshwar) Pujara, who can wear down the opposition bowlers.
Harbhajan however pointed out that a loss in the series opener will bring in more problems and mount more pressure on India.
"I feel India batters will come good. We need a player like Pujara, who can grind in and make the ball old. KL Rahul has been criticized so much. He is a class player. It will be a 50-50 series. But I will give a slight edge to Australia because they are playing at home and India's confidence would be a bit shaken (after NZ loss).
"The first Test will be very important. If India start well in Perth, then the team will give a solid fight in the series. If India doesn't start well, then problems will escalate for India," Harbhajan added.
After the Perth Test, India will have a 10-day break where they are scheduled to play a warm-up game prior to the day-night Test in Adelaide.
The third Test will be held in Brisbane followed by the Boxing-Day match in Melbourne.
The New Year's Test will start from January 3 in Sydney.
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