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'India shouldn't let their guard down against Aussies'

The Australian team might be in "disarray" after the suspension of their four cricketers but former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has warned Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his boys against complacency ahead of the third Test starting in Mohali Thursday.

"I would advice the Indian team that they shouldn't let their guard down. You can never take any Australian team lightly although they might be in a state of disarray. The Indian team should be happy as this is an opportunity for them," Gavaskar told the NDTV.

The former India opener however didn't wish to comment whether the magnitude of the punishment meted out to Shane Watson and Co was justified or not.

"It is very hard to comment on the issue without having 100 percent information about what has happened."

Australia would miss Watson

Gavaskar also refused to believe that it can be a real cakewalk for India considering that Watson and James Pattinson won't be available for this Test match.

"Cricket is a game where fortunes can turnaround very easily. I agree that Pattison could have been very effective in Mohali as he has been their best bowler but this could be an opportunity for Mitchell Starc to prove himself.

"Obviously not having Watson in that middle-order is a big loss," said Gavaskar.

Opportunity for Dhawan to impress

The veteran also hoped that India's debutant Shikhar Dhawan will make full use of the opportunity that is being provided to him.

"It's a big opportunity for him. It's a pitch where the ball comes onto the bat.

"He (Dhawan) has scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket. If he hits the first ball of the middle of the bat, he will be off to a good start," he concluded.