Patience and discipline are the twin virtues the Indian cricket team must rely upon in the next two Tests against Australia.

Psychologist Sandy Gordon says India relied on these qualities to come out triumphant in the Adelaide Test and must continue to do so in the remainder of the series.

"The key to their win was patience and discipline. At the team level it was outstanding," Gordon said.

"Now they need a big effort to sustain it for the next 15 days. They got to do it session by session. They have to get around doing the same again and again to apply the process of Adelaide."

Gordon, who helped the Indian team at the 2003 World Cup and also for the Gabba Test, wants the team to go in with a plan for each session.

"All the team members must have individual as well as a collective game plan. They should have a plan for each session, each day," he said.

He urged the Indians to repeat the Adelaide example and take a leaf out of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman's showing on the tour.

"The discipline and patience of Dravid has been exemplary. He has shown a wonderful temperament, an unflappable and even personality.

"I am glad he has been able to imbibe the lessons so well. For example, he has been able to switch on when the delivery is to be bowled, switch down when he negotiates it and switch off after he has dealt with it."

Gordon also cited the example of Laxman. "He [Laxman] has learnt the difference between being aggressive and decisive. He has learnt to be definitive. Aggression is not always the best option, decisiveness at all times is.

"When you start chasing deliveries outside the off-stump you are not aggressive. You are just not definitive in your methods."

Gordon felt the key to Dravid and Laxman's success is their discipline.

"Both Dravid and Laxman enjoy good understanding. We discussed things in Brisbane but they were able to execute plans and facilitate its success. Sure, it takes a lot of discipline.

"Similarly, Ajit Agarkar has been very good in learning from his mistakes. He has now matured and knows what is best for him."

Gordon is due to join the team before the Sydney Test, but is not sure whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India's perception about utilizing his services is correct.

"I am available to the team before the Sydney Test. But the irony of my association with the Indian cricket team is I have not seen them play in the middle!

"Whenever I have been required to assist the team it has been either before a game or after the match has finished. I have never seen them in action. Unless you are there you cannot really help in the best possible way."