Great opportunity to beat Australia: Kumble

Former India captain Anil Kumble feels Virat & Co. have a great opportunity to beat Australia in Australia. Talking to Cricketnext ahead of the Test series that begins on 6 December, the former India coach expressed that Team India is full of potential and should not let go of this chance.

“I think whether Australia has a full playing XI or not, the potential that the current (Indian) team has certainly makes this their best opportunity to win a series in Australia. They missed out in South Africa and England but this is a great opportunity to beat Australia in Australia,” said Kumble.

‘Virat is constantly learning’

Anil Kumble came in support of captain Kohli to ridicule the criticism on his captaincy. The legendary leg-spinner was hopeful that Kohli will take experiences from England and South Africa in his stride and is better prepared for tour Down Under.

“I don’t think any captain or any players is a finished product. I mean you’re constantly learning and I’m sure Virat is also constantly learning from all the experiences that he’s had in South Africa and also in England. You spoke about the key moments, that’s something he’ll have to grab on the field. He needs to identify that and possibly India got a bit complacent when they pick up to 5-6 early wickets. That’s something that I’m sure he would’ve learnt from his experience in England,” said the former India Test captain.”

Watch: Virat Kohli bowls medium-pace in warm-up game

‘India will miss Pandya’

Anil Kumble also expressed that India will miss the cushion of the fifth bowler which Hardik Pandya provided on tours of South Africa and England.

“If you had Hardik Pandya in the team, then he gives you the cushion of being the fifth bowler, gives you 10-15 overs, possibly a couple of wickets. So that’s the advantage of a Hardik Pandya. He can bat at seven and give you runs as well, so that’s the disadvantage that India is going with.”