As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has made a bold prediction. Gavaskar, a legendary figure in the cricketing world, has forecasted that India will triumph over Australia with a 3-1 victory in the five-match Test series starting on November 22, 2024.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Confidence in Team India
Gavaskar’s confidence in the Indian team stems from their recent performances and the depth of talent in the squad. He believes that the Indian team, led by a mix of experienced players and young talents, has what it takes to secure a series win on Australian soil. This prediction is particularly significant as it would mark India’s third consecutive Test series win in Australia, a feat that underscores their dominance in recent years.
“It’s going to be an exciting series for sure with the talent that is there on both sides and it will also show why Test match cricket is the ultimate format of our beloved game. Oh, and my prediction is a 3-1 win for India,” Gavaskar wrote in Mid-day.
Key Factors in Gavaskar’s Prediction
One of the critical factors Gavaskar highlighted is Australia’s batting lineup, which he believes is vulnerable after the retirement of David Warner. Warner’s departure has left a significant gap at the top of the order, and the middle-order has shown signs of instability. Gavaskar pointed out that Steve Smith’s move to the opener position and Cameron Green’s role at number four could be potential weak points for the Australian team.
Gavaskar also emphasized the strength of India’s bowling attack. With a formidable pace battery and world-class spinners, India has the firepower to trouble the Australian batsmen. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin are expected to play pivotal roles in dismantling the Australian batting lineup.
The upcoming series will be the first five-match Test series between India and Australia in 32 years, adding to the anticipation and excitement. The last time these two teams played a five-match series was in 1991-92, making this a historic encounter. Gavaskar’s prediction is rooted in India’s recent successes in Australia, including their series wins in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar picked India as favourites to win the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy with 3-1 win over Australia
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While Gavaskar is optimistic about India’s chances, he also acknowledged some concerns. One of the primary challenges for India is their tendency to start slowly in overseas series, particularly in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. Gavaskar cautioned that the first Test will be crucial, and India’s lack of proper practice matches before the series could work against them.
Additionally, the scheduling of the series, with week-long gaps between some Test matches, might disrupt the team’s rhythm. Gavaskar noted that this is a common issue for most touring sides in modern cricket, but it remains a factor that could influence the outcome of the series.
