Darren Lehmann drops bold BGT 2024-25 prediction, warns Australia of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is already sparking bold predictions, and yet another stunning prediction from the former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann has set the stage on fire.

This Test series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. As India prepares to visit Australia for a five-match Test series later this year, Darren Lehmann has predicted a dominant 3-1 victory for the hosts.

Darren Lehmann predicts a 3-1 victory for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Team India is currently leading the WTC standings with 71.67 percentage points, while the defending champions Australia are not far behind with 62.50 PCT. With both teams eyeing the top spot to qualify for the WTC Final 2023-25, the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be a thrilling contest between the two powerhouses.

However, Darren Lehmann believes that Australia's home advantage, particularly on fast and bouncy tracks like Perth, will make all the difference and give them an edge over the Indian cricket team.

Australia’s familiarity with their own conditions and their ability to exploit their fast-bowling arsenal on home soil could tilt the balance in their favor, and the former head coach feels it can make the task even more daunting for India to record a hat-trick of Test series wins on Australian soil.

While the rivalry between these two cricketing giants has always been fierce, Darren Lehmann's prediction of Australia taking an early lead in Perth hints at the challenges awaiting India's formidable lineup, featuring the biggest superstars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant.

We need to keep Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli quiet all summer: Darren Lehmann

However, the former Australian coach Darren Lehmann feels Pat Cummins and his brigade might take control early and push India to their limits in the upcoming five-match Test series, but the hosts must keep the touring stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in check to win the home series.

Darren Lehmann posted on the social media platform X: “Australia vs. India prediction, 3-1 Australia. Will win in Perth to start the summer on the bouncey track then quite even after that with the home team playing conditions better. Need to keep Sharma and Kohli quiet all summer.”

Australia v India prediction , 3-1 Australia
Will win in Perth to start the summer on the bouncy track then quite even after that with the home team playing conditions better. Need to keep Sharma and Kholi quiet all summer. #class @abcsport

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) September 26, 2024

Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head hail Rishabh Pant’s charisma and competitiveness

Meanwhile, during a chat with Star Sports, Australia’s T20I captain Mitchell Marsh and opener Travis Head expressed their admiration for the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Both Marsh and Head emphasized Pant's unique blend of competitiveness and charisma. Marsh praised Pant for his positive attitude and the way he carries himself on the field.

Reflecting on Pant's recovery after his road accident in 2022, Marsh described him as a great guy and wished he could be Australian. He highlighted Pant’s resilience and competitive spirit, saying despite his laid-back demeanor and constant smile, Pant is fiercely determined and loves to win.

On the other hand, Head echoed similar sentiments, calling Pant the most "Australian" among Indian cricketers due to his fearless, aggressive playing style and strong work ethic. The aggressive Australian opener admitted that he’s a big fan of Pant's approach to the game and believes he would be a fantastic teammate due to his attitude and on-field performances.