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India's triumphant return to the World Test Championship campaign with a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai has set the stage for a crucial period in their cricketing journey. The two-match Test series against Bangladesh serves as a prelude to the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand at home, ultimately leading to the highly anticipated Australian tour. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, widely regarded as the pinnacle of Test cricket, awaits India in a five-match series starting on November 22nd, with the first Test scheduled in Perth.
The upcoming tour holds immense significance for India, who have consistently demonstrated their prowess in the red-ball format, reaching the World Test Championship final twice in a row. Securing a place in the summit clash for the third consecutive time requires a stellar performance on Australian soil. Recognizing the challenges ahead, legendary Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has proposed a unique role for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India's two most experienced batsmen. Chappell emphasizes the need for these stalwarts to act as mentors for the younger players during the tour.
In his column for ESPN Cricinfo, Chappell asserts, "Of the young batters Yashasvi Jaiswal looks very talented but he needs to show good form in Australia. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should act as guiding lights for the younger batters on tour." He highlights the importance of a strong batting foundation in Australia, drawing from India's successful series wins in their previous two visits. Chappell further emphasizes the need for Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah to perform at their best, acknowledging their pivotal roles in India's success. India currently tops the World Test Championship table, and a clean sweep against Bangladesh would solidify their position, widening the gap with second-placed Australia.