Indian head coach Ravi Shastri is extremely confident about India emerging victorious against the Aussies.

Team India has its sights on getting the next trophy back home, but experts believe it won’t be an easy ride due to Kohli being absent for a majority of the tour. But Ravi Shastri is of a different opinion.

“Where’s the pressure? We have come here and are going to play our natural game. I have told the boys to respect the terrain and the opponents but play fearless cricket,” Shastri told Sportstar in a conversation.

Shastri went on to list India’s fabulous five, who he feels are enough to weaken Australia, and beat them in their own home. “We have a fabulous five – (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, Umesh (Yadav) and Navdeep Saini. Yadav has the experience. Saini is young and fast. Bumrah one of the best in business. Shami is raring to go. Siraj is an exciting prospect. You put up runs on the board and watch these fast bowlers hunt the opposition. They can beat Australia in their own den,” said Shastri.

Shastri also spoke about the lack of experience the boys in blue have with this format of the game. “Our boys have not played much of pink-ball in domestic cricket, but I just want them to go and enjoy their game. What matters is that they will be having some match fitness for the white-ball cricket and they now have to show if they have the will to adapt. Gain experience from here because god willing there won’t be a situation like this again. This challenge of the pandemic and quarantine,” said Shastri.

Some fans and experts have been criticising Kohli’s decision to take his paternity leave, but Shastri backed Kohli, and explained how it is a special moment in his life. “I think it’s the right decision he’s taking. These moments don’t come time and time again. He has the opportunity, he’s going back, and I think he’ll be happier for that,” Shastri told ABC Sport.