India is currently facing a challenging period in cricket. For the first time in their history, Virat Kohli's team was whitewashed in a three-match Test series at home, losing to New Zealand. Following that series, Rohit Sharma’s team is now uncertain about their chances in the final of the World Test Championship. Things are about to get even tougher for India, as they prepare for a five-match Test series in Australia this month. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may struggle in the upcoming series as well.
The Australian cricket legend also shared his reasoning for why he believes India will lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by a large margin. He pointed to the absence of Mohammed Shami from the Indian squad as a key factor. Although Shami has fully recovered from an ankle injury and resumed training, the BCCI has deemed him not fully fit, which is why he was left out of the Australia tour. Ponting sees this as a significant weakness for India.
Rohit Sharma’s confidence was shaken by India’s whitewash at the hands of New Zealand ahead of their series against Australia. Analyzing India's current form, Ponting stated, "India might win one of the five Tests, but Australia has built a strong, experienced team. It will be tough to beat them on their home turf. I predict Australia will win 3-1."
While optimistic about India’s batting, Australia’s World Cup-winning captain expressed concern over their bowling attack, stating, "Without Shami, there is a significant gap. Since August, there’s been ongoing uncertainty about whether Shami will return. I believe taking 20 wickets in a Test match will be India’s biggest challenge. India will likely bat well, as their top order is strong, but the real issue will be their bowling."
The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to start in Perth on November 22. This will be followed by matches at Adelaide Oval from December 6-10, The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18, the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne from December 26-30, and the final India-Australia Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7.
Translated by Mazdud
