The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024 promises to be a thrilling contest, with India gearing up to face Australia in what could be one of the most intense series in recent cricketing history. As the two cricketing giants prepare for the highly anticipated series, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has issued a bold warning to Australia, urging them not to underestimate the Indian team despite recent challenges.
India’s form heading into the series has been a topic of debate, particularly following their 0-3 loss to New Zealand earlier this month. However, Ganguly, who led India through some of their most memorable Test series, has made it clear that India should not be written off, despite the setback against the Black Caps.
India’s Strong Record in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
It has been almost a decade since India last lost a Border-Gavaskar Trophy series to Australia, back in the 2014-15 season. Since then, India has emerged victorious both in Australia and at home, solidifying their reputation as a dominant force in the longest format of the game.
Ganguly, who has witnessed the evolution of India’s Test cricket team, believes that despite the recent loss to New Zealand, India remains a formidable side capable of taking on Australia in their own backyard. He was quick to highlight that the narrative surrounding India’s struggles following the New Zealand series is misleading and that past history proves they are more than capable of bouncing back.
Sourav Ganguly’s Key Warning to Australia
Speaking to Revsportz, Sourav Ganguly emphasized that India’s team should not be taken lightly, even though many pundits are predicting a one-sided affair. “People are writing India off. They did so last time as well. All this talk of a 4-0 drubbing is based on the New Zealand series loss. But I am telling you, this will be a close series. Don’t rule India out,” Ganguly stated confidently.
India’s remarkable performance in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series, where they triumphed despite a slew of injuries to key players, is a testament to their resilience and fighting spirit. Ganguly referenced this series as an example of India’s depth and ability to perform under pressure. “Twice in the last two series, we have beaten Australia. In 2021, with half of your players injured. A lot of these players have experience of playing in Australia. [Shubman] Gill, Pant, and others have all toured Australia before. India will compete. I am sure of it,” he added.
Key Players to Watch in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
As India prepares for the upcoming Test series, there is no shortage of star power within the squad. Despite the injury concerns over key players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, India’s batting depth remains formidable. A major focal point will be Virat Kohli, who will be eager to make his mark in what could potentially be his final Test series in Australia.
Kohli’s history in Australia is impressive, with memorable centuries scored during India’s previous tours. Ganguly, in particular, has backed Kohli to perform in this high-stakes series. “He is a champion batter. And he has had success in Australia in the past. He scored four hundreds in 2014, scored a hundred in 2018 as well. He will want to make this series count, and he will also know this could be the last time he is touring Australia to play Test cricket. So, in every sense, this is a massive series for Kohli,” Ganguly commented.
With the World Test Championship (WTC) final berth on the line, India’s motivation to succeed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is heightened. Ganguly is confident that Kohli, along with other key players like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Jasprit Bumrah, will rise to the occasion in what promises to be a battle of nerves, skill, and determination.
High Stakes for India: World Test Championship Final Spot
The 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is not just about national pride but also about securing a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. India, currently ranked second on the WTC points table, needs to win at least four of the five Tests in this series to ensure they make it to the summit clash. With Australia leading the table, the series outcome will play a pivotal role in determining which two teams will compete for the WTC title.
India’s recent loss to New Zealand, while disappointing, could serve as the wake-up call needed to reignite their competitive spirit ahead of the series. With the stakes higher than ever, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 will be a crucial test for both teams, with India needing to come out on top if they are to remain in the hunt for the WTC final.
India’s Advantage: Experience and Depth
While Australia is known for their fierce competition and dominance at home, India’s squad is brimming with experience, particularly in Australian conditions. Players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravichandran Ashwin have all had significant success on Australian soil in previous years. With a mix of youth and experience, India will head into the series with the confidence of having defeated Australia in their own backyard just a few years ago.
The Australian team, led by Pat Cummins, will need to be wary of India’s depth, both in terms of batting and bowling. India’s spin department, led by Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, could also play a key role in exploiting the conditions, especially in subcontinental-style pitches.
Conclusion: India to Compete and Fight Hard
As the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, all eyes will be on India to see how they respond to the challenges ahead. Sourav Ganguly’s confidence in the team’s ability to fight back is evident, and his message to Australia is clear: don’t underestimate India. The 2024 BGT will be a contest to remember, with both teams fighting not just for the trophy, but for a coveted spot in the WTC final.
India’s strength lies in their resilience, experience, and the hunger to prove themselves on the biggest stage. As Ganguly aptly put it, “India will compete. I am sure of it.” The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 promises to be an unforgettable series, filled with drama, passion, and world-class cricket.
Watch Out for the Action – The 1st Test Starts on November 22 at Optus Stadium, Perth.
