Australia vs India 2018: Australia without Steve Smith, David Warner is Like India Without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma - Sourav Ganguly

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly believes the current touring Indian side has the best chance to beat Australia, who will be without their star players Steve Smith and David Warner.

Meanwhile, Smith and Warner will be out of action due to the sanctions for their role in the ball-tampering saga. Cricket Australia (CA) banned Smith and Warner for 12 months while Cameron Bancroft got a 9-month ban in March. Although there have been a lot of speculations with CA lifting the prohibition on the trio, it is unlikely to happen soon. The apex body is likely to meet next week to take a call on removing the suspensions.

India over the years have struggled to produce positive results in Australia, and Sourav Ganguly feels it is their best chance to script history. In reference to Australia’s current situation, the southpaw said it would be same if India were without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

“This is like the Indian team not having Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. It’s a huge factor,” Ganguly said. “It’s a great moment for Indian cricket. This is their best opportunity to beat Australia,” he added.

Virat Kohli & Co have struggled in previous overseas tours to South Africa and England earlier this year. Although they have showcased fights, the results didn’t come their way. They came back in the last Test after going 2-0 down to finish the series 2-1 against South Africa. Moreover, the losing trend continued as England humiliated them 4-1 in a five-match Test series in August.

India needs to be cautious

Sourav Ganguly, however, shared high praise for the current bowling unit stating that this unit has the pedigree to pick 20 wickets in every Test. At the same time, he warned them to be cautious as they can fight back any time in the series.

“I have seen in England that they (bowlers) have taken 20 wickets in almost every Test. But you also have to keep in mind that Australia in Australia are a different kettle of fish. Many feel that they are a weak outfit but I don’t think so,” Ganguly concluded.

India will play a four-match Test series against Australia starting from December 6 at Adelaide.