India’s upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024 presents a significant challenge and opportunity as they face a formidable Australian side in their backyard. With several players in prime form and others returning from injury, India’s potential Test squad is a mix of experience and fresh talent. Rohit Sharma will lead the side, bringing with him a wealth of leadership and batting prowess, while young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill will look to cement their places at the top of the order. Veterans like Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja remain central figures. At the same time, promising talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, and Dhruv Jurel offer depth. The team’s combination of solid batting, versatile all-rounders, and a potent pace attack sets up an intriguing series against Australia, where adaptability to challenging conditions could determine the series’ outcome.
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
Abhimanyu Easwaran has been knocking on the door of the Indian Test team for a while with stellar domestic performances. In 99 first-class matches, he has scored 7,639 runs at an impressive average of 49.9, with 27 centuries and 29 half-centuries. Easwaran’s technique and temperament make him a reliable option for the top order, especially in injuries or form issues among the primary openers.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal has firmly established himself as a key figure in India’s top order. In 14 Test matches, he has already scored 1407 runs at an impressive average of 56.28, including 3 centuries and 8 half-centuries. His aggressive stroke play and solid technique make him an ideal partner for Rohit at the top, especially in Australian conditions.
- Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has been a standout performer at No. 3 for India. In 29 Test matches, he has scored 1800 runs at an average of 36.73, including 5 centuries and 7 half-centuries. With his ability to adapt to different conditions and elegant stroke play, Gill will be pivotal in stabilizing India’s top order against Australia’s potent pace attack.
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- Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli continues to be the backbone of India’s middle order. In 118 Test matches, Kohli has amassed 9,040 runs at an average of 47.83. His record includes 29 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Kohli’s hunger for runs, especially against a strong opposition like Australia, will be critical to India’s success, and his ability to play long innings in challenging conditions will be essential.
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
With his aggressive batting and solid wicketkeeping, Rishabh Pant is a game-changer for India. In 38 Test matches, he has scored 2,693 runs at an average of 44.14, with 6 centuries and 14 half-centuries. Pant’s counterattacking style, especially in Australia, could turn matches in India’s favor, and his quick reflexes behind the stumps will be crucial in containing Australia’s aggressive batting.
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- KL Rahul
KL Rahul’s versatility makes him an invaluable asset to the team. In 53 Test matches, Rahul has scored 2,981 runs at an average of 33.9, with 8 centuries and 15 half-centuries. Although he has had a few ups and downs in recent years, his ability to open the batting or slot into the middle order provides the team with flexibility, especially in case of injuries or tactical adjustments.
- Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, India’s premier all-rounder, is essential to the batting and bowling departments. In 77 Test matches, he scored 3,235 runs and won 319 wickets. With 4 centuries and 21 half-centuries to his name and an exceptional bowling average, Jadeja’s ability to perform in all conditions, including the fast Australian wickets, makes him a match-winner.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
He is the team’s only seam-bowling all-rounder, and with the opening test scheduled in Perth, the team would need a player who can bowl and bat. He showed his talent in the T20I series against Bangladesh. In the 22 first-class matches, he has accumulated 725 runs, laced with one hundred and two fifties. In the bowling department, he has taken 56 wickets, with the help of two five-wicket hauls at an average of 26.10
- Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj has quickly established himself as a crucial part of India’s fast-bowling unit. In 31 Test matches, Siraj has taken 80 wickets. His ability to generate swing and pace and his aggressive approach make him a dangerous bowler in Australian conditions, where seam movement can play a decisive role.
- Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to Test cricket is eagerly anticipated. In 40 matches, Bumrah has taken 173 wickets at an average of 20.57. His unique bowling action and ability to deliver accurate yorkers and bouncers make him one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. Bumrah’s presence will bolster India’s bowling attack, and his ability to break partnerships will be vital in this series