India vs Australia : “They should try everything and anything possible” – Zaheer Khan feels Virat Kohli and Co. should “bring out that intensity” through verbal volleys

India heads into the final ODI in Canberra with a hope to salvage some respect having lost all five of their last ODIs. But it is easier said than done as they face a power-packed Australia side who have completely demolished them in the first two encounters of the series. Despite what has been the course of the series, the two sides have been extremely “friendly” given the history both the sides share.

Former India speedster Zaheer Khan feels that India needs to get the intensity going if they aim to bounce back in the tour. Zaheer adds that the visitors shouldn’t refrain from bringing up the infamous Sandpaper Gate if it that’s what it takes.

“Knowing the coach Ravi Shastri, he should take a leaf out of old school cricket and maybe remind Smith and Warner about what has happened a couple of years back (sandpaper gate),” Khan said on Cricbuzz Live. “At times when things aren’t going your way you just have to find something to bring out that intensity.”

They have to pick that fight

The left-arm quick points out that head coach Ravi Shastri was known for his on-field banter during his playing days. And should push his team to take on the Aussies in a verbal banter if necessary. Zaheer adds that the visitors should try “everything and anything possible” as they have a long tour ahead of themselves.

Zaheer, who never backs down from a fight has tried to implement what he suggested on the field. The pacer aimed to unsettle the Aussies in the 2003 World Cup final, only for the move to backfire.

“They have to pick that fight maybe. Not in a bad way — staying in the boundaries and bringing out that intensity at times. Forget about what is going your way, what’s not and just get in the zone, which really helps bring out the best in you.“

“Ravi has been good at it so I think that’s something he should definitely ponder because it’s going to be a long tour … they should try everything and anything possible,” he further added.

If India resorts to verbal volleys as the tour proceeds, it will only spice things up as the Aussies are seasoned players when it comes to verbal altercations.

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