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The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between Australia and India has generated immense excitement, surpassing even the Ashes in terms of international attention. This heightened interest stems from India's remarkable dominance in the series since 2014, including consecutive victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. The series is being heavily promoted, evidenced by the prominent multilingual coverage in Australian newspapers, highlighting the substantial stakes involved. The focus is not only on the outcome of the series but also on the performance of key players, particularly Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, whose careers and leadership are under intense scrutiny.
Virat Kohli, despite his illustrious career, faces questions about his current form and mental approach. His recent diminished returns with the bat have fueled speculation about the end of his Test career. Commentators like Deep Dasgupta suggest Kohli needs to rediscover the aggressive, mentally-charged approach that characterized his most successful periods, emphasizing the potential impact of his current calmness on his performance. Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist also notes the change in Kohli's demeanor, advising Australia to avoid any attempts to provoke him, acknowledging his evolved approach to external pressure.
Rohit Sharma's absence from the first Test due to the birth of his second child further adds to India's challenges. The Indian team, currently carrying the weight of high expectations, is facing pressure after a 3-0 home defeat against New Zealand. The team's age is also a factor, with key players like Rohit, Ashwin, and Jadeja potentially playing their final series together in Australia. Deep Dasgupta highlights the ongoing discussion about the team's future, noting the shift from the idea of these senior players continuing for several more years to a more pressing need to identify and cultivate the next generation of talent. He does acknowledge, however, that despite recent struggles, Rohit and Kohli retain the ability to significantly impact the series.
Australia, while boasting a settled but aging team, enters the series with a sense of renewed purpose after a recent victory over New Zealand. The team’s only uncapped squad member, Nathan McSweeney, is the only player under 30 in the expected starting XI. Their bowling attack, featuring the experienced trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc, along with the spin expertise of Nathan Lyon, is considered a formidable force. The Australian success will depend on players like Steve Smith, whose match-up with Jasprit Bumrah promises a compelling encounter, as well as the contributions of the middle order in mitigating the threat posed by Bumrah’s pace. Gilchrist highlights the potential challenge of consistent batting performances for both teams, observing a tendency for one-out innings to dictate momentum shifts.
India's bowling attack, while possessing talent in Bumrah, Ashwin, and Jadeja, has limited fast-bowling experience in Australian conditions, raising concerns about their ability to exploit Australian pitches effectively. Dasgupta points to the potential for the pitches to suit the Indian batsmen, but notes the uncertainties around the form of players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, highlighting the team's recent anxieties and a perceived tendency toward panicky decision-making. This mental aspect, Dasgupta argues, is critical for the team's overall confidence and performance. The potential clash between Rishabh Pant and Nathan Lyon is also identified as a key battle to watch. Ultimately, both Gilchrist and Dasgupta agree that Australia holds a significant advantage in bowling and experience, potentially swaying the balance of the series in their favour. The series promises a compelling contest between two cricketing giants, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and historical baggage.
Source: Australia vs India: Kohli and Rohit in spotlight for Border-Gavaskar Trophy