3 things to look forward to for Indian fans in the BGT 2024-25 Test ft. Virat Kohli Down Under
All eyes will be on the Optus Stadium in Perth as India and Australia gear up to lock horns in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Excitement has hit fever pitch, with one of the most gripping series set to hit screens on Friday, November 22.
India have won their last two series Down Under, but they are up against it this time. The visitors are on the back of a humbling whitewash at the hands of New Zealand that has essentially dashed their World Test Championship final hopes. Nevertheless, the rubber won't be short of excitement at any stage.
India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal.
On that note, here are three things to look forward to in the first Test between India and Australia.
#3 Virat Kohli, low on form, Down Under
A lot has been made of Virat Kohli's recent Test form. The superstar batter has been averaging in the mid-30s over the last five years, and India are seriously struggling without consistent runs from their middle order.
More than 15 years ago, Kohli's Test career seemed to be curtailed before it even started. But a productive tour of Australia turned things around, and since then, he has been a force to be reckoned with Down Under. Needless to say, his form will be watched closely during the upcoming series.
In the Perth Test, with India missing Rohit Sharma, Kohli will be one of the visitors' most important batters. He needs to strike the right balance between attack and defence and help India through what is going to inevitably be a tough challenge.
#2 How many caps will India hand out?
There are reports filtering in that India could hand out two caps ahead of the first Test. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana have seemingly impressed the team management in the warm-up matches and the net sessions and could be handed their maiden international appearances in Perth.
It'll be interesting to see how the two youngsters fare. While both are undoubtedly immensely talented, whether they are ready for the Test level is a question that can only be answered after they play a few matches.
Moreover, India might have to play several capped players who are inexperienced at the top level. Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Dhruv Jurel are all in contention to feature in the series opener. Watching their displays unfold will be one of the most interesting aspects of the contest.
#1 Jasprit Bumrah's leadership will be in the spotlight
Two fast-bowling captains will stand opposite each other at the toss of the first Test in Perth. Pat Cummins has led Australia admirably over the last few years, and it now remains to be seen whether Jasprit Bumrah can step in for Rohit Sharma to good effect.
Bumrah's leadership will be watched closely in the first Test. With Rohit set to come back and take over the reins in the second, he won't have much time to leave his imprint on the team. Nevertheless, the ace spearhead will be one of the most important factors behind the visitors potentially clinching a series lead.