IND vs AUS: The BGT has been the year’s most highly anticipated Test series, as several cricket greats have come to the limelight to mention this as one of the finest ever competitions and the biggest challenge for both teams.
Ex-players like Sourav Ganguly and often great Indian skipper Ricky Ponting have come forward to make bold claims regarding the future of the game. Also, Sunil Gavaskar, an Indian legend and Mathew Hayden has emerged to be the ones who commented on the series and their form of players.
After having complimented players like the great Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. Next, players like Labuschagne have emerged who have stated India to be firm opposition and even the likes of Australia’s only test spinner Nathan Lyon have stated Indian youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal to be the most feared batter for his aggressive mentality in the longest format.
Steve Smith recently praised Kohli’s excellence in the game, as he also referred Kohli to have an Aussie mentality in the game known for his on-field aggression and great pursuit in the game.
Ricky Ponting has recently mentioned in an interview with Sky Sports, that India’s performance in overseas conditions has improved since when Kohli was granted as India captain in 2017.
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Not only Virat Kohli was appointed as the captain, but also during this phase from 2017-21, Ravi Shastri was seen in the role of Indian Head coach. Virat Kohli has largely contributed to India’s success as a player, but alongside that, he has played a vital role as a skipper as well, since India emerged as test series winners for the first time on Australian soil.
However, despite all India lost the WTC final to New Zealand first in 2021 and then later the second consecutive final against the Aussies in 2023, when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were the captains respectively. Ponting earlier expressed that he eyes Australia winning the BGT this time around 3-1, as Australia would look to turn the tables. These two teams are once again likely the two teams to make it to yet another WTC final.