Team India is not in the best position as they get ready to face Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). After losing all three Test matches to New Zealand at home – an unprecedented feat – India must now tackle the mighty Aussies on their home ground.
What did Marnus Labuschagne say on BGT?
Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne feels India might be low on confidence. “Having India come here off the back of a loss at home is something that’s never happened before,” the 30-year-old said on Tuesday as per The New Daily. “They’re probably a little bit lower on confidence, not coming off a Test victory. Losing to New Zealand 3-0, that’s going to do a little bit damage for their confidence. “But at the end of the day, they’re a quality line-up, and they’re one of the best teams in the world so you can never underestimate a team like that.”
To make matters worse, India will play the first Test in Perth without two key players. Captain Rohit Sharma is at home for his second child’s birth, while Shubman Gill hurt his thumb during practice and cannot play. Moreover, Mohammed Shami will also not join the team as he will play India’s premier T20 domestic tourney, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).
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Kohli’s form a big worry
One big concern for Team India is Virat Kohli’s form. The star batter has made only two Test centuries since 2020. However, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon thinks Kohli should not be taken lightly. In the Virat Kohli vs Nathan Lyon battle, Kohli has mustered 529 runs at an incredible average of 75.6. The masterful spinner has got the modern-day master out 7 times in Tests.
“Look at his record out here,” Lyon said. “You don’t write off champions. I’ve got nothing but respect for Virat.” Lyon compared Kohli to Australia’s Steve Smith, saying both are “the best two batters in our last era of this last decade.” Interestingly, Australia has not won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2014-15. Even their current captain Pat Cummins, who has played 63 Tests, has never won this trophy. India won in Australia in 2018-19 and again in 2020-21, showing they know how to win Down Under.
