'Aussies are dangerous, have experience here'

Cricket365
October 9, 2013

India batsman Rohit Sharma isn't taking Australia lightly ahead of the one T20 and seven ODIs this month, saying the Aussies have a lot of players who are very used to Indian conditions.

Many Australia players in the limited-overs squad have experience on the sub-continent thanks to stints with the IPL, and more recently the Champions League T20, so Rohit felt they would offer plenty of resistance, especially with the bat.

Rohit told <i>PTI</i>: "They are a very competitive side with most of their players having featured in the IPL and Champions League. They know the Indian conditions well. We can't get complacent against them.

"Australia on a given day are a very dangerous side. They are still a very competitive side. Their batters are match winners. We have to be at our best against them."

Rohit also addressed former Australia captain Ian Chappell's view that the series was a waste of time, and that the Aussies would be badly exposed and demoralised ahead of the next set of Ashes fixtures.

He said: "I don't agree with his views. For me, every series is important whenever it is played. India-Australia series is always important for cricketers from both sides. The last thing a player, a sporstperson wants is to sit back at home and not playing the game."

As for the new ball at both ends now, Rohit said he would be mindful of the extended threat as an opener, but would avoid making any drastic changes to his technique.

He said: "You need to be cautious with the new ball upfront. You have to plan your strategy accordingly. The shot selection becomes important for you as an opener, like what shots you have to play, which areas you have to go after. The new rules are more helpful to bowlers.

"Everything will remain same to me and I am not going to change my style of play. I am not going to make any changes in my batting technique."

When asked if captaining the Mumbai Indians to the Champions League T20 title recently had made him a better player, Rohit said: "Definitely, it has done so.

"It brought a sense of responsibility in me. It was a huge challenge for me to captain the side but I am lucky to have such great set of players and support staff.

"After Ricky Ponting stepped aside, I took over the charge from him and I am happy that I responded well to the situation. I would like to thank all in my franchise."