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Ex-India's star all-rounder Irfan Pathan is optimistic about Virat Kohli's performance in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. Despite Kohli's recent struggles in Test cricket, with only three centuries in the last five years and a disappointing series against New Zealand, Pathan believes that the Australian conditions will suit Kohli's style of play.
Irfan Pathan believes Virat Kohli will excel in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Pathan highlighted that Kohli thrives against pace bowling, and the fast and bouncy pitches in Australia will provide the perfect platform for him to excel. Additionally, the intense rivalry between India and Australia, especially in Australia, tends to bring out the best in Kohli. Pathan believes that the competitive nature of the series will ignite Kohli's passion and drive, leading to a strong performance.
“Why I believe Virat Kohli will excel in Australia: He thrives against pace. Despite his recent dip in Test form, his numbers against pace remain exceptional. Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches will play to his strengths. Kohli feeds off energy and big challenges. The Aussies will come hard at him, and there’s no bigger Test challenge than playing Australia in their backyard. This is when Kohli’s competitive spirit truly shines,” Pathan wrote on X.
India's batting maestro might have been going through a form slump now but he boasts an impressive track record in Australia. In 13 Tests Down Under, he has amassed 1352 runs at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries. With both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable for the first Test, Kohli's performance will be crucial for India's success. Rohit is on paternity leave while Gill is recovering from an injury.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds significant importance for India in terms of their World Test Championship 2023-2025 (WTC) final qualification. India's humiliating 0-3 Test series sweep against New Zealand has jeopardized their chances of securing a place in the WTC final. To qualify directly, India must clinch a 4-0 series win against Australia. Any other result would leave their qualification hopes dependent on the outcomes of other teams' matches. India's goal is to play their third consecutive WTC final, but this will require a strong performance in the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India's squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (Wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Rishabh Pant (Wk), KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.
Australia's squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy:
Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (Wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (Wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy schedule:
| India tour of Australia 2024-25 full schedule | |||
| Match date and day | Matches | Time | Venue |
| Nov 22, Fri - Nov 26, Tue | 1st Test | 07:50:00 | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| Nov 30, Sat - Dec 01, Sun | Prime Ministers XI vs India A, 2-day Warm-up Match | 09:10:00 | Manuka Oval, Canberra |
| Dec 06, Fri - Dec 10, Tue | 2nd Test | 09:30:00 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide |
| Dec 14, Sat - Dec 18, Wed | 3rd Test | 05:50:00 | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| Dec 26, Thu - Dec 30, Mon | 4th Test | 05:00:00 | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Jan 03, Fri - Jan 07, Tue | 5th Test | 05:00:00 | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
