India’s upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) tour of Australia has become a crucial test for the team, according to former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali. After a disappointing 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand, India faces immense pressure to perform well in Australia.
Basit believes that the Indian team must focus on silencing their critics with strong performances. He warns that if they fail to do so, several players, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, could face the axe after the Champions Trophy.
“India needs to shut everyone up with their performance,” Basit said in a YouTube video. “If they can’t do that, I think three or four players will be dropped after the Champions Trophy, including Gautam Gambhir.”
India’s batting lineup has been a major concern, with star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggling for form. Basit emphasizes that the team must address these issues and find a way to perform consistently.
“India’s batting has been a big problem,” Basit said. “They need to find a way to score runs and put pressure on the Australian bowlers.”
India’s chances of winning the BGT have been boosted by the absence of Australia’s star batsman David Warner, who is serving a one-year ban for his role in the ball-tampering scandal. However, Basit warns that India cannot afford to take Australia lightly.
“Australia is still a strong team, even without Warner,” Basit said. “India will need to play their best to win the series.”
India will begin their BGT campaign with the first Test in Perth on November 22. They will need to win four of the five Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
