Can never be complacent against Aussies, says Rohit Sharma

Rohit differed from the view that Australia have arrived in India with the least experienced squad and rated their batsmen as “match winners”.



“They are still a very competitive side. Their batters are match winners. We have to be at our best against them.”

Australia would be playing without their regular skipper Michael Clarke, who has opted out of the series due to a low back injury, and Rohit said the visitors would definitely “miss his experience”.

Rohit also rubbished former Australian captain Ian Chappell's views that the upcoming ODI series has been “badly-timed” and will dent the team's morale by exposing its “glaring” batting frailties on spin-friendly tracks.

“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,” he said.

With each fielding team given two new balls to be used in alternate overs, one at each end, Sharma said it would make the job of openers a lot more responsible.

“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,” he said.