BGT 2024-25: SK experts make their predictions ahead of marquee series
We are just one sleep away from the 17th edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) going on the floor. Australia are set to host India in a five-Test series starting Friday, November 22, in Perth.
The anticipation surrounding the BGT, as it is commonly dubbed, has already reached fever pitch. With both teams in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the ongoing cycle, this adds another layer of intrigue to the series.
Australia haven't won the BGT in ten years now but India arrive on the back of a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of New Zealand on home soil. Which way will the series go then? Our columnists from Sportskeeda plunge into some predictions on the eve of the first Test.
BGT 2024-25 Predictions by Sportskeeda Experts:
Ashwin Hanagudu
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia stands out as one of the most anticipated series in recent memory. With crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points on the line, this series could significantly impact the legacy of Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain—even though he won’t be available for the first game.
Australia enter the series as slight favorites, especially given India’s recent Test form. However, the Men in Blue’s ability to rise to the occasion and challenge Australia on their home turf should not be underestimated.
I predict a closely contested series, with a 2-2 scoreline seeming most likely. India might face challenges in the day-night Test in Adelaide, but the conditions in Melbourne and Sydney could work more in their favor. The opening test in Perth and the third Test at the Gabba may prove pivotal in determining the outcome of this high-stakes series.
Key players like Steven Smith and Virat Kohli - both back at number four - could be primed to silence their critics. For India, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant have the potential to be game-changers.
Predictions
Series Scoreline: 2-2
Highest Run Scorer: Steven Smith
Highest Wicket-taker: Jasprit Bumrah
Player of the Series: Jasprit Bumrah
Unexpected Star: KL Rahul
Srinjoy Sanyal
Ten years since Australia last laid their hands on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, I feel it's theirs to lose this time around. The hosts wear a more settled look, as opposed to India who are ravaged by injuries, unavailabilities, and poor form. The predicament, and a long tour, will thus present opportunities to new faces like Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna, among others.
Having said that, like how it is being branded as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s last tour Down Under, some of the Aussie veterans like Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc etc. are also nearing the end of the road. And I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if the old guns dominate this blockbuster five-Test series.
Predictions
Series Scoreline: Australia to win 3-2
Highest Run Scorer: Travis Head
Highest Wicket-taker: Jasprit Bumrah
Player of the Series: Mitchell Marsh
Unexpected Star: Nitish Kumar Reddy
Renin Wilben Albert
As always, there is plenty of excitement over the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, undoubtedly one of the marquee Test contests. Some experts are predicting a whitewash for India in the wake of their 3-0 drubbing at home to New Zealand.
This Indian team, though, is known for its bouncebackability, so expect them to put up a fight in Australia. A hat-trick of wins Down Under, though, might be too much to expect, considering the struggles in the batting department and the lack of experience on the bowling front.
If we talk about likely top performers, Travis Head just loves batting against India and would be keen to carry the momentum into the BGT. Among bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah is arguably the best across formats in world cricket today. The pacer would enjoy the conditions in Australia, where he has an excellent Test record - 32 wickets in seven matches at an average of under 22. The fact that Australia’s batting is not in the pink of health could aid his cause.
Australia have the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon but there is the unsung Josh Hazlewood as well - the type of bowler who gives nothing away and is constantly at the batters. India, unfortunately, have an exasperating history of struggling against newcomers irrespective of whether they play at home or abroad and as such, Nathan McSweeney could have a decent BGT 2024-25.
Predictions
Series Scoreline: Australia to win 3-2
Top Run Scorer: Travis Head
Top Wicket Taker: Jasprit Bumrah
Player of the Series: Josh Hazlewood
Unexpected Star: Nathan McSweeney
Rudransh Khurana
It's just a theory, but I think because India are India, and they are now expected to win or reach the finals of every ICC tournament because of the huge population, talent pool, BCCI's might and so on, it's the rubbers where they are not expected to win that bring the best out of them. Being the second favorite gives the players a break and allows them to take more risks or play without a chip on their shoulder.
That's what happened in the last two BGTs in Australia and even the men's T20 World Cup. I expect something similar to happen here again, even though Australia are much fresher, smarter, hungrier and probably a lot more vengeful. India will win Perth and Syndey, Australia will win Adelaide and Brisbane and the Boxing Day Test will end in a riveting draw.
2-2. Awful for the fan, perfect for the neutral. Bring it on!
Predictions
Series Scoreline: 2-2
Top Run Scorer: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Top Wicket-taker: Nathan Lyon
Player of the Series: Nathan Lyon
Unexpected Star: Nathan McSweeney
Sooryanarayanan Sesha
Australia almost always start a home series as favorites and it's no different this time around. There are some question marks over their batting lineup with Nathan McSweeney thrust into the opener's role and the middle-order having suffered collapses aplenty in their last home summer.
But in saying that, they have enough players to launch a counter-attack and send India and their inexperienced bowling attack into a defensive shell. The Aussie bowling unit is arguably the best in the world, and while there are concerns over Steven Smith's form, the ease at which he looked in the opening ODI against Pakistan in Melbourne earlier this month was suggestive of a man who had found his hands back.
That could spell doom for an Indian side ridden with problems. You never write this set of players off as they've shown multiple times in the past - in Australia no less the last time they toured the country. But unless India snag a win across the first two Tests, a long tour could loom ahead with heads possibly rolling by the end of it.
Predictions
Series Scoreline: Australia to win 3-1
Top Run Scorer: Steven Smith
Top Wicket Taker: Pat Cummins
Player of the Series: Steven Smith
Unexpected Star: Dhruv Jurel
What are your predictions for the upcoming BGT 2024-25 series? Have your say in the comments section!