Former India batsman VVS Laxman believes superb form and batting depth make Virat Kohli's Team India the firm favourites to win the upcoming five-match one-day international series against Australia, starting from September 17 in Chennai. Laxman said India are a balanced side and will take good advantage of their home conditions. "India are the favourites. They are in superb form. They won nine matches on the Sri Lanka tour and I was more satisfied with the dominating nature of their victories," Laxman said.
India conquered the Sri Lanka tour 9-0 after demolishing the hosts across formats. The visitors thumped Sri Lanka 3-0 in Tests, 5-0 in the ODI series and won the lone T20I.
Laxman said he was satisfied with the dominating manner of India's victories.
"India are the favourites. They are in superb form. They won nine matches on the Sri Lanka tour and I was more satisfied with the dominating nature of their victories," Laxman told India TV in an exclusive chat.
Laxman said India are a champions side with depth in both their batting and bowling departments.
"They will take advantage of the home conditions. There is depth in their batting. As far as their bowling is concerned, there is lack of experience in the spin department but they have the overall depth and all the bowlers are in form. India are a champions side," Laxman said.
The 42-year-old Laxman, who was once considered Australia's nemesis, said the series will be a great opportunity for the young Indian players to prove their mettle.
"India are looking balanced because the young players, who were given chances, have performed well. India have a solid bench strength. If you see the performance of Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, it doesn't look like that they have just started playing international cricket. I think the selectors and the team management would be really happy with that.
Laxman also praised all-rounder Hardik Pandya, saying that he is performing well as a finisher.
"I am very with the way Hardik Pandya is performing the role of the finisher. From many years, MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina were performing the duty of the finisher but now Pandya has, in six months, improved in every game. This series is an opportunity for the young players to prove their strength. If they can perform against an Australian side, it will boost their morale," he said.
