‘None of my business’ – Justin Langer when asked about being in Ravi Shastri’s shoes after India’s loss in Adelaide

Justin Langer, the Australian head coach, reckons that it’s ‘none of his business’ when asked what would he have done had he been in Ravi Shastri’s shoes. In the first Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval, India lost by eight wickets after being restricted to a mere 36 in their second innings.

None of the Indian batters could get into double digits in the second innings. Langer, also a former Australian batsman, did empathise with the visiting team but also said that he wishes to stay away from stressful scenarios.

Virat Kohli is an all-time great player, says Justin Langer

“None of my business. I have had enough with stresses. I empathise with the opposition and I know what it feels like. If India are feeling any stress, I am glad they are and not us over the Christmas weekend,” Langer was quoted as saying in a virtual media press conference.

The second Test starts on December 26 and going into the game, India won’t be having the services of their skipper Virat Kohli and fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Even as Kohli would be on paternity leave to be with his wife Anushka Sharma, Shami has fractured his forearm.

Langer was clear cut in saying that the absence of the duo will give Tim Paine and Co the upper hand. The Aussie head coach is also focussed on putting pressure on Ajinkya Rahane, who would be captaining Team India in the remaining three Tests in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

“Of course, whatever sport you play, if you take out two of your stars, Virat Kohli is an all-time great player I think and Shami is a real glue for the team because he is so miserly and skilful. It surely gives us some advantage,” he stated.

“We need to start strongly on the first day and build pressure on Rahane as he is the new captain of India for this series. So, the processes don’t change. Whenever you take out best players of any cricket team, it weakens them and that’s the reality,” Langer added.

Langer also sounded confident about David Warner’s return for the second half of the series. Warner didn’t play the first Test due to injury and will miss out from the MCG Test due to strict COVID-19 protocols.