Langer cautions Australia: "Never write off Champions" as India prepares for test series

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, with the first Test set to begin in Perth on November 22, former Australian cricketer and head coach Justin Langer has issued a stern warning not to underestimate the Indian team. Langer emphasized that writing off a champion side, especially one as accomplished as India, is a grave mistake.

India, who has triumphed in their previous two Test tours of Australia by identical 2-1 margins, heads into this series following a difficult 3-0 defeat to New Zealand in their recent home series. Despite this setback, Langer insists that the Indian team, with its vast cricketing pedigree and a massive fan base of over a billion people, remains a formidable force.

Langer remarked, "One thing you never do is write off champions, because they are a champion for a reason." He acknowledged the intense pressure on the Indian team to perform but also pointed out that this pressure could fuel their determination to bounce back strongly. Langer also expressed admiration for the key players in the Indian squad, such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, urging fans to appreciate these cricketing superstars while they can, as the senior players are not going to be around forever.

The upcoming series is of particular importance to India, as they need to win at least four games to have a chance at qualifying for next year’s World Test Championship final at Lord's. Langer, while acknowledging India’s recent defeat, sees this as an opportunity for the visitors to be even more determined to perform at their best. He compared India’s loss to New Zealand to a surprising upset, likening it to North Melbourne beating Brisbane in the AFL grand final, but with the utmost respect for New Zealand’s achievement.

"India losing to New Zealand is a bit like North Melbourne beating Brisbane in the grand final at the moment. And not for one millisecond is that disrespect for New Zealand, because they are the great overachievers; they are brilliant," said Langer. He believes that the Indian team will be both humbled by their defeat and motivated to make amends, making them a dangerous opponent for Australia.

With both teams gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling Test series, Langer’s words serve as a reminder to not take India lightly, despite their recent challenges.