Ravi Shastri should encourage players to remind David Warner and Steve Smith of sandpaper gate: Zaheer Khan

India and Australia are up against each other for the ODI series, and hosts have already bagged the series in their favour by winning the first two ODIs. Indians are currently struggling in their third ODI to make a mark against Australia. In the same light of events, former star pacer Zaheer Khan has asked Indian coach Ravi Shastri to strike some spark in their players. Since Indian players need some intensity, unique advice has been proposed by Zaheer Khan.

Khan feels that Shastri should take a leaf out of his book and encourage players to remind David Warner and Steve Smith of the sandpaper gate. He feels that anything can be done to bring out the intensity in players. The infamous ball-tampering incident of 2018 in South Africa tarnished the image of Smith and Warner.

“Knowing the coach Ravi Shastri, he should take a leaf out of old school cricket and maybe remind Smith and Warner about what has happened a couple of years back (sandpaper gate). At times when things aren’t going your way, you just have to find something to bring out that intensity,” said Zaheer Khan on Cricbuzz live.

India has to pick that fight maybe: Zaheer Khan

India and Australia are known to share fierce rivalries, and the encounter between two cricketing giants is the most awaited thing in the cricket world. Australia’s age-old tradition of sledging has always been a thing to talk of. However, it has changed a bit recently, and players of both nations now share light moments with each other on the field. However, Zaheer feels that it is a long tour, and things should be done to generate spark among players.

“They have to pick that fight maybe. Not in a bad way — staying in the boundaries and bringing out that intensity at times. Forget about what is going your way, what’s not, and just get in the zone, which really helps bring out the best in you. Ravi has been good at it. So, I think that’s something he should definitely ponder because it’s going to be a long tour. They should try everything and anything possible,” Khan concluded.