NEW DELHI: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is little over every week away and November 22 will mark the beginning of the following chapter within the high-profile collection. Many firsts — and probably just a few lasts — have added to the intrigue and the background of the five-Take a look at collection. Moreover the same old verbal duels which have spiced up the build-up of a BGT within the final decade, legends like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, Nathan Lyon and some others might be locking horns for the final time in Take a look at cricket.
Australia has been a troublesome place to play cricket for visiting sides, however India have managed to do nicely of their final two excursions and would hope to do extra of the identical.
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina was a part of India squad for the 2014-15 BGT in Australia and is aware of the challenges that the tour presents. Giving a lowdown on these and a few specifics associated to the approaching five-Take a look at collection, Raina, who retired from the game in 2020, took day out to speak to Timesofindia.com and share his two cents.
Edited Excerpts:
One other Australia tour is upon us. What in your opinion is a prerequisite for a cricketer touring Australia?
When you’ll Australia, it is advisable present character and battle hearth with hearth. In case you do not present it, then you’ll by no means realize it.
IND have what it takes to problem this AUS workforce in upcoming #BGT | #beyondtheboundary
Speaking about hearth, there aren’t many who present it uninhibited like Virat Kohli, however he’s low on confidence and in the midst of a lean patch…
Crucial position might be of Virat Kohli. I bear in mind after we went there in 2014-15, Virat made 4 tons of. And at the moment, all prime cricketers had been enjoying. I bear in mind he made tons of in each the innings of the Adelaide Take a look at. I did not play that sport however was sitting exterior and noticed his ruthless method. He was so robust together with his physique language.
However spinners troubled Kohli on turning tracks at dwelling. Might it’s a aid for him dealing with pacers largely in Australia, with the ball coming onto the bat?
We have to give credit score to New Zealand (for the Take a look at collection win in India, which the hosts misplaced 0-3). They performed very well…Their cricketing ethics are very robust, in each sport. They performed higher than us, had good spinners…however we could not rating a lot. Virat is doing very well, I believe. We will not decide him from one collection.
On that observe, Rohit too did not hit the purple patch in 5 Exams at dwelling earlier than the BGT. Plus, he won’t be out there for the primary Take a look at. What’s your tackle that?
Rohit has a private cause. His spouse is anticipating (their second little one). That is a very powerful factor in his life (at the moment).
For the way lengthy will Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja play? | BTB Highlights
Rohit’s absence presents Jasprit Bumrah with an opportunity to guide the workforce…
For Bumrah, it may be a brand new alternative. I believe he is an effective chief and has cricketing mind. Even Gauti bhai (coach Gautam Gambhir) stated within the media that Jasprit has that astute management (high quality), and I believe he might be totally different. Like if you happen to see Pat Cummins, he gained the World Cup for them (Australia), has executed very well as a participant and as a captain. I believe Bumrah is near that. In case you take a look at it from the purpose of a chance, it is a gun alternative for him. If he does nicely, I believe we may have a future chief in Take a look at cricket.
The embarrassing collection whitewash in opposition to New Zealand has additionally introduced some criticism for coach Gambhir. Is it honest to guage him simply 4 months into the job?
I believe Gauti bhai was such a participant and (now) a coach that even when he used to play, he did not pay a lot consideration (to media/public scrutiny). However you understand that while you lose, then there might be (feedback made) concerning the coach. However I believe he is an effective chief and coach. In case you take a look at his document as a participant, he gained the Indian Premier League (twice) with Kolkata Knight Riders. As a participant he gained the World Cup in 2007 (T20) and 2011 (ODI). I do not assume any Indian coach may have extra expertise (as a participant) than him.
Dhruv Jurel Makes a Stable Impression With Gritty 80 vs AUS on the MCG | #beyondtheboundary
Going into the primary Take a look at, with Rohit more likely to be unavailable, India are struggling to seek out an opener to associate Yashasvi Jaiswal. Who’s your decide to associate the younger left-hander?
KL Rahul has lots of expertise. To not overlook, Dhruv Jurel. You by no means know, they could ask him to open additionally. It could occur. The coach has to take the decision. Jurel will be the X-factor that India are searching for in Australia. You may strive him within the first Take a look at. I do know when Rohit Sharma comes again, he’ll open however why not give an opportunity to a teen who has executed very well (within the second unofficial Take a look at between India A and Australia A in Melbourne).
India A misplaced 4 wickets within the first 2-Three overs. The Kookaburra ball stays new (for some time). Jurel confirmed persistence. His defensive approach could be very stable. When he performed aggressively, he got here up with a few good photographs. I believe they need to think about him as an opener when Rohit just isn’t there. KL Rahul can also be an choice, however as you stated, he’s not in type. That’s one thing Bumrah (stand-in captain for Perth if Rohit is unavailable) should take into consideration. As a captain, I believe he can take that decision.
India’s tempo assault did appreciably nicely on the final two Australia excursions after we gained the BGT. Do you assume it is a bit skinny on expertise this time apart from Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj?
Prasidh Krishan is bowling nicely. (All-rounder) Nitish Kumar Reddy is there in Australia. However Akash Deep is doing very well. I believe his line and size in Australia might be very efficient. The fourth-stump line that we discuss, I believe he might be very helpful there.
