Sunday 21 December 2014 11:45, UK
Mahendra Singh Dhoni says it is only a matter of time before India start winning away from home.
India suffered their fifth straight away defeat in the second Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday and now trail 2-0 in the four-match series.
But the captain believes India’s luck is about to change while on the road and has called upon India’s youth to turn their form around.
"The exciting thing is we have competed,” he said. “What's really important is it can turn at any point of time.
“It's just a matter of time. It's exciting to see the youngsters putting in a fight. It will turn out to be a very consistent side.
"There's plenty of areas we're showing improvement, but we're still not crossing the line. We need to give it a bit more time. Once they start crossing that line, once they harness that aggression in the right channel you'll see plenty of good results from this side."
It's just a matter of time. It's exciting to see the youngsters putting in a fight. It will turn out to be a very consistent side.
While India have competed in both Tests, the Australians have proved too much for the Indians, winning key moments to take the advantage when needed.
India lost by four wickets on Saturday, and will try and claw black the four-match Border-Gavaskar series on Boxing Day when they visit Melbourne for the third Test.
Dhoni will be playing in his 90th Test match as a player on Friday, and believes India’s aggression shown while bowling could provide the key to victory.
"We have seen the execution power of our fast bowlers has increased,” he said. "Ishant Sharma is the leader of the pack. He is someone who can consistently now bowl in one area.
"Varun Aaron is still raw. He does go for runs, but it's exciting to see somebody from India bowling at a good pace and using the bouncer to get the opposition out."
India are without a win over Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 33 years, but Dhoni remains in a positive mood.
The captain was not fazed by India’s record against the Aussies and took great pride in his side’s fighting spirit, especially that shown in their recent defeats.
"The competition has been good, though the results have not been in our favour," he said.
"It's important that you fight it out with the opposition and then whatever the result is, you accept it.
"At the same time, you don't throw in the towel. It was quite good to see our fast bowlers still running in, giving 100 per cent.”
Watch the third Test between Australia and India, from 11.30pm, Christmas Day, Sky Sports 2.
