'Don't rush at time of transition'

Mohali: Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist on Monday praised the youngsters of the Indian team, saying one needs to be patient while the side is going through transition.

After lifting the World Cup a year ago, the Indian team sunk from one low to another in the past year, losing two consecutive away Test series in England and Australia, besides seeing Rahul Dravid bid adieu to international cricket, leaving a big void to fill.

"It's the summit. Winning World Cup is a big achievement. Having been through that experience, it takes a lot of effort and focus in reaching there. Now having a lull period afterwards is expected to an extent," said Gilchrist responding to a question on India's slump.

Gilchrist praised the youngsters saying one needs to be patient while the team is going through transition.

"If and when changes happen, whether it is through timing or form, there are exciting young prospects who can fill the gap.Virat Kohli has stepped up beautifully, you have quality player in Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma...across the country there are number of talented players, but you need to be patient and not make too much of a rush at the time of transition, which can be a difficult period (for the teams).

Although, Gilchrist failed to pin-point what in particular went wrong for the Indians during their tours of England and Australia, the veteran of 96 Tests said that India still have the experience and formidable batting line-up to go with. With Australia also having gone through a similar stage a couple of years ago, Gilchrist said "there has to be some planning going into it".

"You cannot just do it off the cuff. There has to be planning going to it. A team has to plan and prepare itself for the departures over few years," Gilchrist said.

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