"The remaining batters have better chances" - Basit Ali on Virat Kohli being Australia's primary target for 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali pointed out how Team India's Virat Kohli seems to be Australia's primary target for the upcoming 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He suggested that the other Indian batters have the advantage of flying under the radar.
The cricketer-turned-expert opined that the other Indian batters should look to make the most of this opportunity and flourish in the crucial tour. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit said (from 1:24):
"From Ricky Ponting to Tim Paine, there have been a lot of statements. They spoke about Virat, Virat, Virat, Virat, and Virat. The remaining batters have better chances. Australians always target one or two players. The others are also there to play cricket."
It is worth mentioning that Virat Kohli boasts of a stellar Test record on Australian soil. The seasoned campaigner has chalked up 1353 runs across 25 innings at a brilliant average of 54.08 in Australia.
"Make him bat at No. 3" - Basit Ali wants Dhruv Jurel to be in India's top order for the Perth Test
Team India's Shubman Gill is doubtful for the Test series opener against Australia after reportedly injuring his finger during match simulation. Basit Ali reckoned that in Gill's absence, the visitors should back keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel for the important No. 3 spot.
He highlighted that Jurel has shown impressive form in Australia and deserves to be part of India's playing XI. Basit said in the same video (from 2:00):
"India should pick Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI. In Australia, players who are in good form should be included and the team should take advantage of that. Don't think that Jurel bats at No. 5 or No. 6; make him bat at No. 3. He has a lot of guts and is a good player of the cut and the pull."
Jurel shone with the bat in the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The right-handed batter registered scores of 80 and 68 in the fixture.
The first Test of the five-match series between India and Australia will be played in Perth, beginning Friday, November 22. India need to win the series 4-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship 2023-25 final on their own.