NEW DELHI: Former India head coach Rahul Dravid believes India nonetheless have an opportunity of reaching the World Check Championship closing, however their path has turn into harder. India have slipped behind within the race and can want robust ends in their remaining matches to make the highest two.India are at present fifth within the WTC factors desk and face a tough away sequence in opposition to New Zealand earlier than internet hosting Australia in a five-Check sequence from January 2027.India have made a powerful begin to their ongoing sequence in Sri Lanka, main 1-0 after successful the primary Check in Galle by 165 runs. They’ve additionally taken management of the second Check after an enormous batting effort.Dravid feels the Sri Lanka sequence is a crucial first step, however India nonetheless have loads of work to do.“I am hoping they do. It’s going to be an incredible run if India can qualify for the WTC closing from right here,” Dravid advised ‘JioStar’ when requested if India would have the ability to make the summit conflict from right here.“They’ve fallen behind a little bit bit, however the sort of high quality that the Indian workforce has, you are not going to write down them off at any stage. They began off properly in opposition to Sri Lanka, in order that’s an excellent first step,” he mentioned.
New Zealand problem awaits
India will journey to New Zealand in October for 2 Checks.Dravid expects the sequence to be a serious take a look at, particularly for the youthful gamers who’ve restricted expertise of enjoying in these circumstances.“(Enjoying in opposition to) New Zealand away, (is) at all times a problem. (They’re a) robust workforce, New Zealand, to play away from dwelling. Quite a lot of the younger Indian boys haven’t performed in these circumstances, in order that’s going to be an enormous problem,” he mentioned.Dravid additionally identified that India will miss the expertise of a number of senior gamers who’re now not a part of the Check facet.“Hopefully, they will maintain the fellows match and never have plenty of accidents over the following few months. We’re lacking the expertise of Virat (Kohli) and Rohit (Sharma), Ajinkya Rahane and (Cheteshwar) Pujara, these varieties of men who’ve in all probability been there the final time India went. In order that shall be an fascinating sequence as properly,” Dravid added.
Australia sequence one other massive take a look at
After New Zealand, India will host Australia in a five-Check Border-Gavaskar Trophy sequence from January 2027. Dravid expects the Australian gamers to be extremely motivated after failing to win a Check sequence in India lately.“Australia shall be actually thrilling. Quite a lot of their gamers shall be very eager to do properly in India. That is a era of actually nice Australian gamers, an incredible Australian workforce that has not gained in India. In order that they’ll be eager to try this,” Dravid mentioned.
