India’s upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia has raised concerns among cricket pundits, particularly regarding the batting form of skipper Rohit Sharma and star player Virat Kohli. Former Australian captain Ian Chappell warns that the Indian batsmen could face difficulties if they attempt overly aggressive shots, as the Aussie conditions offer additional bounce that could expose their batting vulnerabilities.
Chappell believes that India’s batting lineup has some problems, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both aging and facing questions about their form. He cautions that the extra bounce in Australian pitches could find them out if they overplay their shots.
Mark Taylor, another former Australian captain, agrees that the responsibility for substantial scoring now falls heavily on the emerging batsmen. He points out that India has moved on from Pujara and Rahane, leaving Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as their best players, but both have been struggling lately. This has put pressure on the younger players and the lower-order to contribute more runs.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will feature a comprehensive five-Test series between India and Australia, scheduled across five Australian venues from November 22 to January 7, 2025. The series will visit Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, marking the first instance of a five-match Test contest between these cricket powerhouses since the 1991-92 season.