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Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has thrown his weight behind Team India ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, predicting a resounding 3-1 victory for the Men in Blue. This bold prediction stems from his observation of Australia's recent struggles in Test cricket, particularly their middle-order woes and the retirement of their opening batsman David Warner.
Gavaskar's analysis points to the void left by Warner's absence, highlighting the difficulty Australia has faced in finding a suitable replacement. The opening combination of Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, tested in the recent series against New Zealand, remains a point of concern. The middle order, too, has shown inconsistencies, making Australia vulnerable to India's potent bowling attack.
While acknowledging India's tendency to start slowly in overseas Test series, particularly in SENA countries, Gavaskar believes the first Test will be crucial. He expresses concerns about India's lack of proper first-class matches before the series and the week-long gaps between some Tests, which might impact their rhythm. However, he remains optimistic, emphasizing that such scheduling challenges are common for touring teams in the modern era.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds immense significance for both teams, not just for the prestigious title but also for its role in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. The series will provide a perfect platform for both India and Australia to showcase their strengths and test their mettle in the longest format of the game. Gavaskar's prediction, fueled by his astute analysis of the current form and challenges facing both teams, adds an extra layer of excitement to this already highly-anticipated encounter.