NEW DELHI: Former Indian captain and coach, Ravi Shastri, believes that India need a strong start in the upcoming Test series against Australia. He feels this is crucial for the team to move past their unexpected loss to New Zealand at home.
Shastri believes that India was unprepared for New Zealand's challenge and paid the price for it. Their loss ended an impressive winning streak at home that had lasted for over 12 years and spanned 18 series.
"India will be smarting from that defeat in that series against New Zealand because they were caught unawares," Shastri told The ICC Review.
"They were a little complacent and they paid the price for it. But having said that, it's a very proud team, this Indian team."
Despite the setback, Shastri expressed confidence in the Indian team's ability to bounce back. He emphasized the significance of the first two Tests in Australia, starting on November 22nd at Optus Stadium.
"They would be hurting and they'd like to get back on track ASAP. The best way to bounce back from such a series, is (to) start off another series in a good manner, so the first two Test matches become extremely crucial going ahead," he said.
Shastri highlighted the role of India's coaching staff, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, in ensuring the players are mentally prepared for the challenging five-Test series.
"The most important thing will be to ensure that they start off well; they keep the players in a good state of mind. That will be the most important thing for the coach," he said.
Drawing from his experience as India's head coach during their successful tours of Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21, Shastri encouraged the team to focus on their past triumphs.
"It's playing on their mind, confidence-wise. You can't go to the negatives. Think about the positives," he said.
He urged the team to recall their previous successes in Australia and use them as a source of motivation and belief.
"Think about what you did in Australia last time around and take it ahead from there. Put what (has) happened behind you. These are different conditions and some of the tracks in Australia when you get in are probably the best to bat," Shastri said.
Shastri acknowledged the change in conditions but remained optimistic about the team's prospects in the upcoming series.
"I think it will be totally different, the conditions when they get out there," he added.