BGT 2024-25: Top 5 Players to watch out for in upcoming Test series

Rishabh Pant. (Source -BCCI)

The upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, slated to begin on November 22 in Perth, holds massive importance to both Australia and India. The World Test Championship final qualification depends heavily on the outcome of the series and keeping that in mind, both teams will put their best foot forward and because of the same, a high-voltage series is expected. 

India meanwhile will start slightly on the back foot, having suffered a humiliating 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand earlier in the month. Their batting unit flopped and that is one of the areas that the visitors need to focus on ahead of the marquee series. Australia, on the other hand, haven’t played Test cricket in some time and it can possibly take time for them to settle in red-ball cricket.

The winner of the series will surely make it to the WTC final but who are the players that can make a difference in the series?

Let’s look at the five players one should keep an eye on:

5. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (Photo Source : Getty Image)

Virat Kohli is going through a tough patch in Test cricket but he is still someone who can take on Australia and make a difference with the bat. The star India batter has an exceptional record in Down Under, scoring 1352 runs in 13 matches at an average of 54.08. He has hit six centuries in Australia, which is phenomenal, to say the least.

The conditions in Australia suit Kohli and he will be hoping to find his old mojo in the series. His back has now hit the wall as there are questions over his future in the format and so, it’s the right time for Kohli to prowl back. During the IPL 2024, commentators questioned his strike rate after which, Kohli changed the game, helping the team qualify for the playoffs. There was doubt about his performance in the T20 World Cup and in the end, he was adjudged Player of the Match in the final. The time has come for him to do that again.

Also Check: Border–Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: 3 players who could retire after the series and their possible replacements

4. Travis Head

Travis Head. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Travis Head has been a game-changer for Australia in all three formats of the game. He has played 10 matches against India in red-ball cricket and scored 715 runs at an average of 42.05, which also includes a knock of 163 runs in the final of the World Test Championship 2023. He has been given freedom by the team management and in good batting-friendly conditions, Head can turn out to be extremely dangerous.

Overall, Head has played 27 Test matches in Australia, scoring 1922 runs at an average of 50.57, which is brilliant. Like Rishabh Pant in the Indian camp, he isn’t afraid to take on the opponent and if the top order gives a good start, Head can do the damage in the middle order, which will surely put India under pressure.

3. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant. (Source -BCCI)

India’s best bet with the bat for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is Rishabh Pant. The keeper-batter has a tremendous record in Down Under and has done exceptionally well since his return to Test cricket after the horrific car injury. Notably, the 27-year-old has played seven matches in Australia and scored 624 runs at an average of 62.40 and has scored 422 runs in the five Test matches he played this year.

Pant, like Head, isn’t afraid to take on the opponent and he will make a difference with the bat. A large portion of India’s success also depends on how the Haridwar-born will fare in the series. If he is in the right form and rhythm, Australian bowlers will have a rough time in the five-match series.

Also Read: 3 Players who could lead India in Tests after Rohit Sharma

2. Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Australia captain Pat Cummins was adjudged Player of the Series when India last travelled Down Under in the 2020-21 season. The 31-year-old picked up 21 wickets in that series but the hosts failed to bag the series, which still hurt the Australian and now, they are desperate to win back the Border-Gavaskar series after almost 10 years. For that to happen, Cummins will have to play a key role.

The pacer has played 13 Test matches against India and has picked up 50 wickets at an average of 26.18. The captain can contribute with the bat as well and will play a vital part in the series. Given that the team is hungry to win the trophy, Cummins can even play all the Test matches, despite being a fast bowler.

1. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah. (Source – BCCI)

Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s biggest match-winner across formats for India in the last couple of years. The pacer can change the complexion of the game at any time and is a great asset to the Indian team. In the absence of captain Rohit Sharma, Bumrah will also lead the national team in the first Test in Perth, starting November 22.

Meanwhile, India’s success in the series heavily depends on how he fares. The 30-year-old has played seven Test matches in Australia and has picked up 32 wickets at an average of 21.25. Australian players understand the damage Bumrah can create as Usman Khawaja and Head have already talked to the media about the wrath of the Indian pacer.