VVS Laxman backs team India as favorites against Australia

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman believes the Indian team will knock out the opposition Australia in the upcoming ODI series. The men in blue will be hosting the Aussies in a 5-match ODI series. The Australian team started their camp on a high with a win in the practice game. The series holds great importance since a 4-1 win for either of the sides will see them escalate to the top of the ODI rankings.

As per the recent quotes in India TV, VVS Laxman remarked that the way Indian team played in Sri Lanka make them the favorites for the series. Also, the home advantage will help the Virat Kohli-side have an upper hand in the competition.

“India are the favourites. They are in superb form. They won nine matches on the Sri Lanka tour and I was more satisfied with the dominating nature of their victories,” quoted VVS Laxman.

“They will take advantage of the home conditions. There is depth in their batting. As far as their bowling is concerned, there is lack of experience in the spin department but they have the overall depth and all the bowlers are in form. India are a champions side,” he added.

On the younger lot

During the Sri Lanka tour, team India had the privilege of testing their bench strength. Much to their satisfaction, the younger lot grabbed the opportunity with both hands and managed to put up clinical performances. Laxman looked absolutely pleased with this fact.

“India are looking balanced because the young players, who were given chances, have performed well. India have a solid bench strength. If you see the performance of Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, it doesn’t look like that they have just started playing international cricket. I think the selectors and the team management would be really happy with that,” remarked the former cricketer.

On Hardik Pandya

After the conclusion of the Test series against Sri Lanka, Indian skipper Virat Kohli had remarked that Hardik Pandya was their biggest positive from the series. VVS Laxman also spoke on the same lines quoting Pandya to be the next finisher after MS Dhoni. He cited that Pandya has the capability to take the baton of the finisher from Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni.

“I am very with the way Hardik Pandya is performing the role of the finisher. From many years, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina were performing the duty of the finisher but now Pandya has, in six months, improved in every game. This series is an opportunity for the young players to prove their strength. If they can perform against an Australian side, it will boost their morale,” he conceded.