India’s recent home series loss to New Zealand has raised concerns about the team’s readiness for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia. However, former India cricketer and ex-chairman of the national selection committee, Sandeep Patil, has advised the team to set aside recent disappointments and approach the series with a renewed, positive mindset.

Speaking at the launch of his autobiography Beyond Boundaries, Patil called the New Zealand defeat a “wake-up call” but emphasized that India’s past successes demonstrate their ability. 

“We won the T20 World Cup a few months ago, and we are a good side,” he said. “We have some of the top players around, and I’m sure they will bounce back.”

Patil pointed to India’s victorious 2020-21 tour of Australia as a testament to the team’s ability to overcome setbacks, although he advised against relying too much on past achievements. 

“They need to forget about what happened in the previous tour to Australia and also not think too much about the New Zealand series,” he remarked. “You have to think positive and play positively, and that’s the only way to have a positive result. If you go on the defensive, you will never succeed.”

A member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Patil emphasized that setbacks often spur the team to greater performances. 

“After every defeat, the Indian team has always done well. They are a very good side, and I am sure they will bounce back,” he affirmed. He recalled how, back in 1983, India overcame early losses in practice games before ultimately claiming the World Cup title. 

With India’s batting struggling against New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly during key moments, Patil expressed confidence that India’s star players, including captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and emerging talent Shubman Gill, could shine on Australia’s batting-friendly pitches. 

“Australian wickets are batting friendly, and we lost the series against New Zealand because we did not do well in the batting department,” Patil noted. “We have Virat, Rohit, Shubman, and I am sure they will get together, talk about it, and look ahead.”

Patil also spoke on the importance of embracing transition within the team, referencing major retirements that initially sparked uncertainty but ultimately paved the way for new talent. He reflected on his time as chairman of selectors in 2012, when he and his committee took tough calls following a home Test series loss to England, opting for youth to ensure India’s future in cricket. 

“When (Sunil) Gavaskar retired, people were like ‘ab kya hoga?’ The same was the case when (Sachin) Tendulkar retired, and now people are talking about Rohit. Transition is part of the game, and you’ll have to look at the future,” he concluded

With Patil’s confidence and India’s potential, fans and players alike look ahead to the Australia series, hopeful that the team will put the New Zealand loss behind them and rise to the challenge Down Under.