Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Ian Chappell says he got drunk with Ravi Shastri, got key information from him

India are scheduled to take on Australia in a four-Test series, Down Under, starting December 17. India are the defending champions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won it the last time, during their visit in 2018-19, which was also their maiden Test series win in Australia.

Following a competitive outing in the just-concluded limited-overs campaign against Australia, India are getting set to switch their focus to the longest format, as they take on the mighty Aussies in the four-Test series, starting December 17. India are the defending champions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won it during their last visit, in 2018-19.

Ahead of the opening Test in Adelaide, which is to be a day-night affair, India have some injury concerns. While senior opener Rohit Sharma’s fitness is of utmost concern, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s participation is also doubtful.

Furthermore, India is also missing pacer-cum-seamer, Ishant Sharma, as an ideal replacement for him in the XI is a concern too. Meanwhile, former Australian batsman Ian Chappell has said that Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has made an exciting revelation after getting drunk with him.

As Chappell was mentioning the absence of Ishant to Shastri and how tough it would be, the latter popped up the name of fellow Indian pacer, Umesh Yadav. “I was having a drink with Ravi (Shastri) the other day and he told me that probably (Umesh) Yadav will get the nod as the third pacer,” Chappell was quoted as saying by PTI.

“India have two smart quicks in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. If you ask me, if the team batting first scores 300, you are on your way to winning the Test match at the Adelaide,” added Chappell.

Umesh is known for his fearsome pace and is likely to be effective on the fast Australian tracks. However, during the last tour, he played just a game, claiming 2/139, while overall in Australia, he has played eight games, claiming 27 at an average of 45.85 and has an economy of 4.52, including a five-for.

Chappell also spoke on numerous other issues, including vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who would lead the side on Virat Kohli’s absence, following the opening Test. “Well, I saw him captain in one Test against Australia (in Dharamsala in March, 2017) and found his captaincy to be fabulous. He was really an aggressive captain,” he reckoned.

“I remember a couple of aspects about his captaincy. What stood out for me was in the Australian first innings, Warner was going well and getting on top of Indian bowlers. He brought in Kuldeep Yadav (debutant) and he dismissed Warner. The second thing I remember was India chasing a low total and they lost a couple of wickets. Rahane just came in and attacked the Australian bowlers and scored some 20 odd (38 off 27 balls). I liked that approach,” continued Chappell.

“Look, as a captain, you always have two choices – one is the aggressive route and the other is a conservative approach. I have believed that in Test cricket aggressive approach is must and Rahane is aggressive,” Chappell opined.