'The Australian tour will be a hard one for Team India'

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has said though the Team India's upcoming Australian tour is likely to be a hard one, it would provide them a good exposure ahead of the upcoming World Cup. 

"The Australian tour will be a hard one for Team India. They will have a real tough game. But it will be a good exposure to the team ahead of the next World Cup," he told reporters. 

Gavaskar was in Kottukal, about 30 kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, to receive an award instituted by the state-based Sree Chithira Thirunal Trust for his remarkable contributions to the field of sports. 

However, he did not comment on the controversy over Sachin Tendulkar's allegations against former team coach Greg Chappell in his recently released autobiography and repeated his early statement that Chappell should have backed captains. 

On questions about Keralaite cricketer Sanju Samson, the legendary batsman said Sanju is a promising player and he has many years before him to find a place in the national team. 

Earlier, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman P J Kurien presented Gavaskar with the award, comprising a cash prize of one lakh and citation.  

Gavaskar's contributions and achievements as a cricketer, commentator and administrator had been considered for the recognition. He is the first sports personality to win this award.