'Have you forgotten Shardul, Natarajan, Sundar?’: Ex-selector warns Australia of India’s ‘inexperienced team’

As India gears up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Sunil Joshi has expressed confidence in the relatively inexperienced Indian squad to deliver a powerful performance on Australian soil.

With the Indian cricket team set to begin the much-awaited five-match Test series on November 22 in Perth, the former Indian all-rounder believes that this young and dynamic Indian cricket team is more than ready to take on the Aussies in their own backyard, despite the absence of seasoned stars like Mohammed Shami, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane.

Sunil Joshi recalls heroics of past tours, backs new talent to defy odds in Australia tour

Drawing on memories of previous tours to Australia, Sunil Joshi reflected on the unforgettable contributions of players like Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan, and Washington Sundar, as their unexpected brilliance helped the Indian cricket team to win the Test series in the absence of many superstars.

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Their breakthrough performances, along with unforgettable efforts from Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari, and others, showcased India’s capacity to produce match-winners under pressure. And the former Indian selector said that the result of their previous tours sets a strong example for the current squad to rise to the occasion once again on Australian soil.

Let's not forget the 2018 and 2021 series: Sunil Joshi backs Indian Cricket Team ahead of Australia tour

Sunil Joshi said on the Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues': “Let's not forget the 2018 and 2021 series. We all know that after the first Test match, Virat (Kohli) came back, and after that things were different. Every Test match, there was a hero from the Indian team.

"Let's not forget that Indian players have always risen to the occasion in every Test match. Have you ever forgotten Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan, and Washington Sundar? In fact, if you remember, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari, and (Cheteshwar) Pujara as well. So, we need character.”

However, Sunil Joshi admitted that the absence of Mohammed Shami, a proven powerhouse in India's bowling arsenal, will be felt by the team in the upcoming Test series in Australia. However, Joshi believes that this new generation of Indian cricket team players possesses the hunger, skill, and resilience needed to deliver under pressure and tough conditions.

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With three fresh faces in the Indian lineup, the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be the best stage for these players to showcase their mettle.

India will miss Mohammed Shami in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Sunil Joshi

Well, many wonder if stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja will bear most of the responsibility on the Australia tour. Joshi is quick to remind everyone that the Indian cricket team thrives on team spirit and unexpected heroes.

Joshi further noted, “Yes, of course, we miss (Mohammed) Shami, the biggest X-factor in bowling. Yes, of course, there are three new faces in the side, which is slightly inexperienced, but they have the skill level to do it.

"It's going to be a test for them as well, because who knew Natarajan, Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar were going to be the heroes in the previous tour? It's the same situation. Let's not rule them out, one test at a time, but these players are hungry. They have the ability to do it, and I am going to back them.”