Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma reminded of old age by Australian legend ahead of India visit

As the cricketing world braces for the much-anticipated Test series between India and Australia, the spotlight is firmly on the seasoned warriors who will lead their respective sides into battle.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 promises to be more than just a contest between two cricketing powerhouses, and all eyes will be on the top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Nathan Lyon.

To add to the excitement for the upcoming five-match Test series later this year, former Australian head coach John Buchanan has pointed out that India has plenty of aging players, including Rohit, Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, at its disposal, and it can be a little concern for the tourists.

Indian legends prepare for fierce battle against Australia

However, despite being in the twilight of their careers, Kohli, Ashwin, and Rohit are far from being liabilities, each bringing a wealth of experience and unmatched skill to the table that could very well tip the scales in India's favor.

Rohit, at 37, continues to defy the passage of time with his explosive batting, while the 35-year-old Kohli remains the backbone of India's middle order.

Ashwin, also 37, is expected to be a crucial weapon in India's arsenal, especially if the pitches offer him some turn in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.

On the other side, Australia's roster is also full of their own seasoned campaigners. They have such players, who have been battle-hardened over years of international cricket, with very few under the age of 30.

This blend of experience and skill is what makes the Australians such a formidable opponent, especially in their own backyard.

Buchanan said that both teams boast powerful pace attacks, and they will undoubtedly be the ones to watch as they exploit the conditions, particularly during the day-night Test in Adelaide, where the ball is expected to bounce, seam, and swing.

He also warned both Australia and India that their top orders will have their work cut out for them, as they face some of the best fast-bowling talent in the world.

India's recent dominance over Australia in Test cricket is memorable, winning back-to-back series on Australian soil.

India has got some aging players in that side: John Buchanan

Notably, the upcoming Test series will be the first five-match Test series in Australia since 1991-92, so the stakes couldn't be higher than ever. The first Test will be played in Perth on November 22. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy isn't just about cricket; it's about legacy, pride, and the relentless pursuit of victory by two of the world's greatest cricketing nations.

John Buchanan was quoted as saying by PTI: “I looked at the ages, and India has got some aging players in that side; notably Rohit Sharma, who's 37, and Virat Kohli, who's 35; Ravichandran Ashwin, if he tours, he's 37; and you look at the Australian side, there's only one or two players who are under 30.”

Buchanan signed off by saying, “It'll be very much a battle again between the very good pace bowling attacks of both sides and how well the top-order players of both sides can deal with the ball that will bounce, seam, and probably swing a little bit more in the day-night game in Adelaide.”