Vaughan Questions India’s Aggressive Mindset Ahead of Australian Tour
Former England captain Michael Vaughan doubts India can match the aggression that fueled their two Test series wins in Australia. On Fox Cricket, Vaughan questioned if skipper Rohit Sharma and the coaches could adopt the aggressive mindset of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri during India’s 2018-19 and 2020-21 tours.
“The key question is, who will be the Virat Kohli in this team? Can Rohit Sharma lead with the same level of aggression? That’s going to be the biggest challenge for India over the next few weeks,” Vaughan remarked.
A Look Back: India’s Success in Australia
India’s back-to-back series wins in Australia were historic. In 2018-19, Kohli’s leadership and Shastri’s coaching helped India win 2-1. It was their first-ever series win in Australia. On the 2020-21 tour, Ajinkya Rahane became captain after Kohli went home after the first Test. Rahane led the team to another 2-1 series triumph despite an injury-hit squad.
In his career in Australia, Kohli has been a standout. He has scored six centuries and averages 54.08 on Australian soil. This track record has set a high bar for the current team’s leadership and approach.
Aggression as a Winning Formula?
Vaughan emphasized the importance of aggression in beating Australia on their home turf. “You can only defeat Australia if you play on the front foot and attack them relentlessly,” he stated. “That’s what Kohli and Shastri did. Now, I want to know—who is going to be the Ravi Shastri in this Indian camp?”
The former England skipper hinted that India’s leaders must unite the squad. They need a combative mindset to have any chance in the upcoming series.
Series Opener in Perth
India’s four-match Test series, much anticipated, starts on November 22 in Perth. The venue is known for its pace-friendly conditions. India aims for a historic third straight series win in Australia. The stakes are high. Australia’s home ground has been a fortress for their cricket team. But, recent tours show India can rise to the challenge.
With Kohli and Shastri gone, all eyes are on Rohit Sharma to lead the team with the same tenacity and resolve.
Key Stats to Watch
- India’s Series Wins in Australia:
- 2018-19: 2-1 under Kohli and Shastri
- 2020-21: 2-1 under Rahane after Kohli’s departure
- Virat Kohli’s Test Record in Australia:
- Matches: 13
- Centuries: 6
- Batting Average: 54.08
- First Test: November 22, Perth
This series will be a defining moment for India’s leadership. Fans and analysts want to see if they can continue the legacy of success started by Kohli and Shastri. Will Rohit Sharma rise to the challenge? Or, will India’s lack of Kohli’s fire tip the scales to Australia? All will unfold starting this week in Perth.
