Virat Kohli warns the Aussies before India vs Australia Test series

The countdown for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia has officially begun, with just 50 days remaining before the action explodes Down Under. This iconic rivalry, often dubbed the toughest rivalry in Test cricket, is all set to enthrall the cricket world.

Both India and Australia are gearing up for a fiery contest in the upcoming five-match Test series, with respect and determination driving both sides. India, having won two consecutive series in Australia, has cemented itself as a formidable force, and they can’t be underestimated.

Virat Kohli fires a massive warning to Australia

On the other hand, the Australians are hungry for revenge, having tasted defeat on their home turf in back-to-back Test series. This time, they’re determined to make their mark and reclaim dominance on their home turf and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well.

The anticipation around the Test battle has reached fever pitch, as Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja shared their thoughts on the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Virat Kohli, India’s batting superstar, said that there was a very intense rivalry between India and Australia earlier, but it has now turned into respect ever since they won back-to-back Test series on Australian soil. Virat Kohli added that now Australians are not taking them lightly.

Virat Kohli had to fly back on the last tour before the 2nd Test due to Vamika's birth.

In a video shared by Star Sports on X, Virat Kohli said: “Look, the rivalry was very intense in the early years. It was a very tense environment. But I think since we've won a series there twice."

"I think that rivalry has turned into respect. We're not taken lightly as a test team. You see that respect when you play against Australia. That they came to our home and beat us twice back-to-back,” Virat Kohli added.

Time to make amends: Pat Cummins warns Team India

Meanwhile, Australian captain Cummins admitted that they have not performed well and haven't been successful in the last two Test series in Australia. Cummins added: “So, it's been a long time. Hopefully, time to make amends.”

Usman Khawaja: “The rivalry has always been huge. I take it as a sign of respect. And I know it—that Indians love beating Australia. We've really been world number one, and world number two teams over the last two years. We were there at the last World Test Championship together.”

Ravichandran Ashwin: “The Australian cricketers definitely know that this team has the ability. And they do respect people on this side of the fence. We all know how good the Aussie team is. Their bowling attack is, and their batting line-up is. There are some wonderful cricketers in there. So, the mutual respect and camaraderie are a lot better.”

Meanwhile, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon said that he always wants to compete against the best, and the whole Indian line-up, the whole squad—there are absolute superstars everywhere you look. Lyon noted that he would love to compete and challenge himself against the Indians.

Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc ready for India challenge

Mitchell Starc: “Whether it's the caliber of the player or the caliber of matches that we see as fans and as cricketers as well, it just continues to grow strength on strength with each series. And now India is obviously winning a number of series in a row. It's created even a bigger rivalry between the two countries.”

In the end, the former Australian captain and seasoned batter Steve Smith admitted that they are all very well aware of how the Indian team is very, very difficult to beat, so they can't wait to have them down under for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Watch here:

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS! ⏳

With just 50 days for the 💥 action to begin down under, the stars talk about what makes it the #ToughestRivalry! 🤜🤛

Watch #AUSvINDOnStar starting NOV, 22 onwards! pic.twitter.com/ZYkVwsYFVe

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 3, 2024