"Not gonna say 5-0...": Michael Clarke reveals the only way India can win BGT 2024-25
Published - 17 Nov 2024, 02:02 PM | Updated - 17 Nov 2024, 11:38 PM
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Former Australia National Cricket Team skipper Michael Clarke has revealed the only way that the India National Cricket Team can win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Michael Clarke stated that India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy hopes rest solely on the performance of the modern-day great Virat Kohli in the five Test matches.
Virat Kohli has struggled in recent times
The star India batter Virat Kohli has been going through a lean patch in Test cricket this year. He would be aiming to bounce back strong in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and help India complete a hat-trick of series wins Down Under.
Overall, he has played 6 Tests in 2024 and has scored just 250 runs at a poor average of 22.72. Also, he has registered only one fifty in the longest format of the game this year.
He played his first Test of the year against the Proteas in South Africa, where he scored 46 and 12 runs, respectively, before taking a break and skipping the five-match Test series against England due to the birth of his second child.
Then, he featured in all five games of India's home season against Bangladesh and New Zealand. In two Test matches against the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side, Virat Kohli scored 99 runs at an average of 33.00.
He also failed with the bat against the Black Caps as he registered just 93 runs in three matches at an average of 15.50.
If India are to win the series, it has to be Virat Kohli as the leading run scorer - Michael Clarke
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opening clash between India and Australia is scheduled to start on November 22 in Perth.
Speaking ahead of the match, Michael Clarke said that he is hoping to see Australia clinch the series 3-2 against India.
He added that the success of India against Australia depends on Virat Kohli and he needs to finish as the leading run-getter if India are to register their third consecutive Test series win Down Under. He also identified Rishabh Pant as a key player for India and Steve Smith as the key member of the Australian team.
“I am not gonna say 5-0, I really hope Australia win this 3-2, all Test matches get a result, so I hope we get good cricket, so we can see somebody win and somebody lose, and I won't see any draws. I also want the rain to be kind, weather to look after us and stay away cus I would love to see five results,” Clarke told TAB.
“If India are to win the series, it has to be Virat Kohli as the leading run scorer, then Rishabh Pant would be just behind. From Australia’s perspective, I think Smitty (Steve Smith) is due,” he added.
Bumrah, leading wicket-taker for India - Michael Clarke
The former Australian captain Michael Clarke further picked Jasprit Bumrah as the leading wicket-taker for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
He opined that the pacer will bring the best out of him against the Aussies and fulfill the expectations of the fans. He stated:
“Bumrah, leading wicket-taker for India, I think there is expectation around how good he is, and that is going to bring the best out of him. I think some people can shy away from that, and I think he will get better.”
