Ricky Ponting warns Rohit Sharma's return could disrupt India's BGT plans, attempts to create rift

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has already sparked a war of words among the fans and former cricketers, with Ricky Ponting now firing a bold warning to the Indian cricket team ahead of the first Test, starting on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

On the eve of the high-voltage five-match Test series opener in Perth, the former Australian skipper has boldly suggested that the return of India’s regular captain, Rohit Sharma, could cause disruption in the touring camp mid-series.

Ricky Ponting predicts Australia’s 3-1 victory in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, citing potential disruption in India’s camp with Rohit Sharma's return

His bold remarks come in the wake of Jasprit Bumrah leading the Indian cricket team in the first Test against Australia in Rohit Sharma's absence. Rohit Sharma, who is set to miss the Perth Test due to the birth of his second child, is expected to rejoin the Indian team before the second Test in Adelaide.

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It is being said that the senior Indian opener will participate in a pink-ball warm-up game in Canberra before the pink-ball Test. While Rohit Sharma’s return is widely expected as a boost for India, Ricky Ponting speculated it might unsettle the Indian squad’s balance.

Even Ponting doubled down on his prediction of a 3-1 series victory for Australia while highlighting challenges India is likely to face when transitioning between captains in the middle of the five-match Test series.

I just think there’s potential for more disruption: Ricky Ponting

Rohit's tactical expertise and experience are undeniable, but Ricky Ponting hinted that adapting to his style mid-series could pose a challenge for the touring side in the high-stakes Test series. The legendary Australian cricketer hinted that Jasprit Bumrah should be allowed to lead in on the entire tour.

Ricky Ponting said on The ICC Review: “I just think there’s potential for more disruption through their campaign with Sharma coming back and whatever else. So, I’ll stick with it (3-1 verdict in favor of Australia). Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith need to make runs for Australia. And their bowling attack obviously is as good as anyone's in the world. So, I'll stick with my 3-1 Australia prediction.”

Ricky Ponting claims India will be “settled” without Rohit Sharma

Adding fuel to an already fiery rivalry, the former Australian captain believes that the Indian cricket team looks largely settled and has addressed key gaps in their squad despite missing Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill due to thumb injury.

Read Also: Big boost for India: Rohit Sharma's involvement in Perth Test confirmed

With a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, Ponting believes that India appears ready to tackle the formidable challenge posed by Australia in Perth, and they remain competitive even without some key players.

Ponting signed off by saying, “India will be pretty certain of what team they’re going to play (in Perth). They’ve known for a while that Rohit probably wasn’t going to be here. They’ve probably known for a while that Bumrah was going to be captain. So, they’ve probably known what holes they’ve needed to fill. So, they’ll be reasonably settled.”