Gautam Gambhir challenges Rohit Sharma and Co to win the T20I series against Australia
Ahead of the much-anticipated 20-20 World Cup 2022, India will play three T20Is each against Australia and South Africa. The Men In Blue’s upcoming series will be against Australia, starting on September 20. The home team is coming off a disappointing campaign in the Asia Cup 2022 and is looking to leave that behind. The series against Australia will be good preparation for Rohit Sharma’s men ahead of the showpiece event.
Meanwhile, former India opening batter Gautam Gambhir has challenged the team to win the series. He pointed out the 2007 20-20 World Cup campaign in which the then MS Dhoni-led side beat the Aussies to reach the final. The team went on to win the inaugural edition of the tournament. The left-hander also pointed out the 2011 ODI World Cup in which India beat Australia in the quarterfinal. In this tournament, India went on to lift the title as well.
Australia is the most competitive team: Gautam Gambhir
Meanwhile, Gambhir feels that the Kangaroos are most of the most competitive players and it is important to beat them to win a competition. The Delhi player added that India won’t be able to win the World Cup unless they beat Australia.
“I mean look at the 2007 T20 World Cup, we defeated them in the semi-finals. In the 2011 ODI World Cup, we thrashed them in the quarter-finals. Australia is one of the most competitive teams out there and you will have to beat them if you want to win any competition.
“I have said this earlier and I am saying this again. India can not win World Cup if they do not beat Australia” Gambhir said during the Press Conference organised by Star Sports.
Talking about the series, it will be played between the 20-20 World Cup holders (Australia) and the number one T20I side (India). The three-match series can be expected to be a high-voltage one given the kind of squads both teams have. The same players from both sides are expected to be part of the World Cup next month.
