‘Champions For A Reason’: Justin Langer Warns India About Underestimating Australia – News18

Last Updated:November 17, 2024, 21:57 IST

Justin Langer believes that despite India having the superior Test record off late, Australia cannot be underestimated especially on home soil,

The former Australian Head Coach, Justin Langer has warned the Indian team from underestimating the World Test Championship title-holders, Australia ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India has had a dominant period over the Aussies in the longest format having held the BGT title for the past 10 years including two series victories on Australian soil.

But Langer believes that despite the record you cannot undermine the threat that Australia poses especially on home soil and also considering that they are the WTC champions.

“One thing you never do is write off champions, and that’s in every sport because they are a champion for a reason,” he told The West Australian.

“In India, there are one and a half billion cricket-loving people, and then count all the rest around the world, they expect nothing but excellence, and the team will be under intense pressure, so how they fight back will be important,” he added.

Several key players within the Indian and Australian teams are getting older and it could be the last time some of the senior stars make the tour to Australia. Langer hopes that the fans get to enjoy seeing their favourite stars one last time, should it be the case.

“I just hope, if this is the last time (Kohli) is out here, people enjoy it because he is a superstar, so is Rohit Sharma, so is (Ravi) Ashwin, so is (Ravi) Jadeja, so is (Jasprit) Bumrah,” he shared.

“It’s the same with the Australians; the bowling attack is a very senior attack now… so really enjoy it while you can; they are not going to be around forever,” he added.

Langer also warned the Aussies from underestimating the Indian side and feels that they would be a cornered animal after suffering a humiliating whitewash defeat to New Zealand on home soil, something India will be keen on rectifying with a series victory over the Aussies.

“And not for one millisecond is that disrespect for New Zealand, because they are the great overachievers; they are brilliant. I think they’d won two Test matches (in India), and to win the series 3-0, that’s an amazing achievement,” Langer suggested.

“They’ve just been beaten three-nil by New Zealand, so India will be humbled by that and equally determined to remedy it because the pressure on them will be intense,” he added.