"A lot of people are saying they will be whitewashed" - Sourav Ganguly reacts to Border-Gavaskar Trophy predictions for India
Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly has backed Rohit Sharma and his boys to perform well during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia despite the shocking 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home. Admitting that many are predicting a whitewash for Team India Down Under, Ganguly asserted that it's unlikely to happen, as the Tests would be played on good pitches.
Having never lost a Test series at home since 2012, India were expected to get the better of the Kiwis in the three-match series without much trouble. New Zealand landed in India having won only two Tests in the country. However, the visitors stunned everyone, including themselves, to thump India 3-0 and create history.
In the wake of the unexpected result against the Kiwis, many fans and critics have raised severe concerns over the team's mental frame of mind heading into the five-match Test series against Australia. Speaking to Revsportz, though, Ganguly threw his weight behind the visitors and commented:
"They are a good side, and, against Australia it is going to be a fascinating series. A lot of people are saying they will be whitewashed, but I do not think so. The pitches will be better."
Ganguly went on to describe India vs Australia and India vs England are two of the best series in world cricket. He predicted an exciting Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while also pointing out that this might be Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's last visit Down Under.
"I think for me, at the moment, India-Australia, India-England are two of the best series in world cricket. Obviously, Ashes is there. But I think these two series will be keenly watched and going through social media, through news and all," the former India captain said.
"I can feel there is a lot of excitement in Australia. Rightfully so for five test matches, Kohli and Rohit may not be going back to the country again after this, there is enough in this series. It is going to be a fascinating series and I am looking forward to it," Ganguly concluded.
The much awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia begins on November 22, with the first Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. With Rohit likely to stay back in India to be with his family following the birth of his second child, pacer Jasprit Bumrah is set to captain the team in the opening Test.
Sourav Ganguly's Test record in Australia
Speaking of Ganguly's record in Test matches in Australia, he played 11 games (20 innings), scoring 696 runs at an average of 34.80, with one hundred and four fifties.
His most famous Test knock Down Under was the 144 he made in Brisbane in December 2003 amid question marks over his technique in overseas conditions.