Ravi Shastri drops bombshell prediction for Ashes 2025-26

Former Indian head coach and well-known broadcaster Ravi Shastri believes that the opening Test of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 will decide the fate of the series between Australia and England. The historic five-match Test series will be played in Australia from November 21 in Perth.

Shastri, who guided India to historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumphs in 2017, 2018-19, and 2020-21 in a row on Australian soil, has further predicted that the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 will be one of the closest in recent memory, as both sides are evenly matched.

First Test match dictates how the Ashes will go: Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri said at Kayo Sport's Summer of Cricket launch, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo: “That first Test match dictates how the Ashes will go. I think it will be close, a lot closer than it has ever been, and depends on the two captains and the fitness of the two captains.”

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The former Indian captain also highlighted that the fitness of Australian captain Pat Cummins and England captain Ben Stokes could play a massive role in deciding the fate of the upcoming series. With reports suggesting that Cummins might not be fully fit for the first Test, Shastri feels the balance could tilt slightly in England’s favor if the Australian captain misses the Ashes opener.

Shastri further explained, “Stokes, if he's a leader, you know more than a captain. I think he's a leader, and the same with Pat. If both of them are fit—you mentioned Pat might not be fit for the first test—you know that's a blow; there's no question about that. It allows England to come into that first test match and make a statement, you know, which often doesn't happen.”

Ravi Shastri predicts Gabba Test could rewrite Ashes history

Traditionally, Australia has dominated at the Gabba, but this time, Shastri believes that the script could change. Notably, the second Test will be played at the iconic Gabba from December 4, where the Kangaroos have been almost unstoppable.

And that’s why Shastri feels that if England managed to get a strong start, it could shift momentum and define how the rest of the Ashes unfold. He further noted, “That first test match dictates how the Ashes will go. Normally they run over at the Gabba, you know, so that first test is crucial.”

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Australia series to decide Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future: Ravi Shastri

Meanwhile, the former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have a clearer picture of their ODI future after the upcoming three-match series against Australia. He said that the selectors will closely watch their performance, fitness, and hunger to stay in the format.

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With India looking to build a balanced squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027, the former Indian all-rounder feels the performances of Rohit and Kohli on the Australia tour will play a big role in their long-term roles in the team.

Shastri signed off by saying, “They're part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger, and, of course, their form.”