Former Indian wicket-keeper batter, Saba Karim has said that he hopes India will not be feeling the absence of Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy. India will be facing Australia in a four-match Test series, scheduled to be commencing on February 9. Speaking to India News, Karim said one spot that Australia would want to exploit is the wicket-keeper, adding that he hopes India doesn’t feel the pinch of Pant’s absence.

Saba Karim said, “One spot that Australia would want to exploit is that of the opposition wicketkeeper. Rishabh Pant has changed the face of Test cricket for India and I hope they don’t feel the pinch of his absence.”

He also showered praises on Virat Kohli, saying he instilled the belief in the team that if is it in home conditions or away, Australia can be beaten.

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Praising the former Indian skipper, Saba Karim said, “Ever since we traveled to Australia for the 2014-15 series, Team India has been able to make a name for themselves. The credit for this goes to Virat Kohli because he instilled the belief in the team that be it in home conditions or away, Australia can be beaten.”

The former cricketer said it is important for India to prepare pitches so that Test matches last at least 3-4 days, insisting that there is no use in making rank turners straightaway.

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Explaining the same, Saba Karim said, “We need to take Test cricket to the top and for that, it’s important to prepare pitches where Test matches last for 3-4 days at least. No use making rank turners straightaway. We need to prepare good pitches that start to turn on Day 3 and that will surely bring excitement into the game. We have to take the difficult route and try to win if we really want to become the No.1 team.”

India will be hosting Australia in the first Test of the four-match series at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on February 9.