Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma and his team’s ability to perform well in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, despite India’s surprising 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home.
While acknowledging that many are predicting a whitewash for India Down Under, Ganguly emphasized that it is unlikely, as the Tests will be played on good pitches. India, unbeaten in home Test series since 2012, were expected to comfortably defeat New Zealand in the three-match series.
New Zealand, having won only two Tests in India prior to this series, shocked everyone by securing a 3-0 victory. In light of the unexpected loss, concerns have emerged about India’s mental readiness for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia.
However, speaking to Revsportz, Ganguly voiced his support for the Indian team:
“They are a good side, and, against Australia it is going to be a fascinating series. A lot of people are saying they will be whitewashed, but I do not think so. The pitches will be better.”
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Ganguly described the India vs Australia and India vs England series as two of the best in world cricket. He predicted an exciting Border-Gavaskar Trophy and noted that this could be Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s final tour to Australia.
“I think for me, at the moment, India-Australia, India-England are two of the best series in world cricket. Obviously, Ashes is there. But I think these two series will be keenly watched and going through social media, through news and all,” the former India captain said.
“I can feel there is a lot of excitement in Australia. Rightfully so for five test matches, Kohli and Rohit may not be going back to the country again after this, there is enough in this series. It is going to be a fascinating series and I am looking forward to it,” Ganguly concluded.
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The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia kicks off on November 22, with the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth. As Rohit Sharma is expected to remain in India with his family after the birth of his second child, pacer Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in the opening Test.
Sourav Ganguly’s Test Performance in Australia
Sourav Ganguly played 11 Test matches (20 innings) in Australia, amassing 696 runs at an average of 34.80, including one century and four half-centuries. His most memorable innings came in December 2003 in Brisbane, where he scored 144 runs, silencing critics who had questioned his ability to perform in overseas conditions.
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