Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma ability interrogated

Ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, former Australian cricketer Brad Haddin has intensified the pre-series buzz by questioning the ability of India’s batters to tackle Australia’s formidable bowling attack, especially Yashasvi Jaiswal.

As the highly anticipated five-match Test series approaches fast, former Australian players have turned up the heat, playing mind games and relentless chatter to target India's form and raise doubts about their chances Down Under. They are claiming that the blistering pace, bounce, and unforgiving pitches will rattle India’s top order in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Brad Haddin raises concerns about India’s ability to handle Australian bowling attack and pitches

Brad Haddin has also the same views. Haddin admitted that Yashasvi Jaiswal is a really good player, but he doesn’t think the young opener could survive the fearsome Australian attack on the challenging pitches in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

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Haddin has doubts on whether India’s batting lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant can survive the brutal pace and bounce that Australia's fast bowlers will unleash, especially on the bouncy pitch in Perth.

Highlighting the pressures of facing the Australian quicks in their backyard, Haddin singled out Jaiswal, who has never faced Australia in home conditions, hinting that the challenge could be herculean for him. The Perth surface, known for its relentless pace and steep bounce, has troubled the best of batters over the years, making it a nightmare for those unfamiliar.

Don't think Indian batters are going to stand up to our quicks: Bard Haddin

Brad Haddin said on the LiSTNR Sport podcast: “I don't think that the Indian batters are going to stand up to our quicks. I know Jaiswal is a really good player, but he hasn't come out and seen Australia before, so I'm not sure whether he is going to handle the bounce. Opening in Perth is hard work.”

Meanwhile, former Australian skipper Aaron Finch predicted key roles for Alex Carey and Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, saying both wicketkeepers could be game-changers in the middle and lower order for their respective teams in the series, starting on November 22 in Perth.

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With the intensity of both fast-bowling units, Finch predicted that the top-order batters would face significant challenges, so Carey and Pant will have more impact on the game with their aggressive styles promising swift shifts in the game’s direction in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Wicketkeeper will be key in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch said on the same podcast: “I think the key could be Alex Carey and Rishabh Pant; the two wicketkeepers are going to be so important. At one time or another in the series, the top order will get knocked over. Both fast-bowling attacks are so good that they will get on a roll and knock over the top order.

So, for me, it's that really crucial role of Alex at No. 7 and Rishabh at 6 likely. Carey is aggressive; Rishabh is aggressive. The game is going to go one or two ways really quick. And I think that will be so important. Both batting line-ups haven't been at their best for a little while, and that's why the keepers are so important.”