The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to return to Australian soil, with Team India aiming to retain the title. As India’s squad, led by Rohit Sharma, prepares for the high-stakes series, it’s essential to assess the players’ previous performances in Australia. Let’s take a closer look at India’s key players, based on their Test records on Aussie soil.
Opening Batsmen: Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Captain Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most experienced batters, has played 7 Tests in Australia. Though his overall average in Australia is 31.38 with a top score of 63*, Rohit’s role as an opener will be crucial in giving India steady starts. Alongside him, young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to open the innings. Although Jaiswal has not played against Australia before, his recent form and aggressive style make him an exciting addition to the squad.
Abhimanyu Easwaran is also in the lineup as a backup opener. While he awaits his debut, his inclusion brings flexibility to India’s batting order if needed.
Middle Order: Kohli, Gill, Rahul, and Pant
The Indian middle order looks solid, anchored by Virat Kohli, who has an impressive record in Australia. Despite a recent dip in form, Kohli’s Australian Test average stands at 54.08, with 6 centuries across 13 matches. He has scored 1,352 runs, making him a vital asset against the Australian attack.
Shubman Gill, in his three Tests in Australia, has averaged 51.80, with a top score of 91. His performance in the last series was instrumental, and his ability to adapt to Australian pitches will be critical.
KL Rahul, a middle-order addition as a wicketkeeper-batsman, has struggled in Australia, with an average of 20.77 across five Tests. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, another wicketkeeping option, boasts a far stronger record with 624 runs in 7 Tests, averaging 62.40, including a memorable century. Pant’s aggressive style and experience in Australia make him a potential game-changer.
Dhruv Jurel, another keeper-batsman, is new to international Tests and will be gaining valuable exposure with this series.
All-Rounders: Ashwin, Jadeja, and Sundar
India’s all-rounders are likely to play a pivotal role in balancing both attack and defense. Ravichandran Ashwin has played 10 Tests in Australia, scoring 384 runs and claiming 39 wickets. His ability to take wickets and hold his ground with the bat will be crucial.
Ravindra Jadeja has an impressive record in Australia as well, with 175 runs and 14 wickets in just four Tests. His consistency as a bowler and a reliable lower-order batter will add depth to India’s lineup. Washington Sundar, with one Test under his belt in Australia, performed impressively, scoring 84 runs and taking four wickets, showcasing his all-round potential.
Newcomer Nitish Kumar Reddy joins as an all-rounder and will be watching and learning closely from his senior counterparts.
Pace Attack: Bumrah, Siraj, and Newcomers
India’s fast-bowling unit is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both experienced campaigners in Australia. Bumrah has scalped 32 wickets in 7 Tests, making him India’s key bowler on the bouncy Australian tracks. Siraj, who took 13 wickets in his three matches in Australia, complements Bumrah’s pace with aggression and consistency.
Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Akashdeep are exciting new additions who will be making their Test debuts if selected in the playing XI. Although they lack experience on Australian soil, their inclusion adds depth to India’s fast-bowling reserves, which will be crucial in a long series.
As Team India gears up to face Australia, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a true test of the team’s skills, resilience, and ability to adapt to challenging conditions. Each player brings unique strengths, and the series promises to showcase the best of Indian cricket on Australian soil.
