The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cricketing events, comparable to the historic Ashes series. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, set to run from November 22, 2024, to January 7, 2025, will be historic as it introduces a five-Test format for the first time, marking a significant chapter in the long-standing India-Australia rivalry.
India Seeks a Hat-trick of Series Wins in Australia
India stunned the cricketing world by winning back-to-back Test series in Australia in 2018-19 and again in 2020-21. These victories marked India’s rise as a formidable force in overseas conditions. However, heading into the 2024-25 tour, the odds seem tilted in Australia’s favour.
India’s recent performance, including a crushing 3-0 Test series defeat at home against New Zealand, has exposed several cracks in the squad. The biggest concern lies in India’s batting line-up, especially the form of experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Struggles of Senior Batsmen: Rohit and Kohli
India’s batting form has been inconsistent and underwhelming. Rohit Sharma has struggled for consistency in his recent Test outings, posting scores of 18, 11, 0, 8, 2, 52, 23, 8, 6, and 5 in his last ten innings. Virat Kohli’s form has also been under scrutiny, with scores of 4, 1, 1, 17, 0, 70, 47, 29*, 6, and 17 in his last 10 innings.
Kohli, despite flashes of brilliance, has not returned to his dominant best in over five years, and Sharma’s lack of consistency raises significant questions about India’s top-order resilience in seaming Australian conditions.
Complete Schedule of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
The five Tests are set across iconic Australian venues:
November 22-26, 2024, 1st Test at Perth
December 6-10, 2024, 2nd Test at Adelaide (Day-Night)
December 14-18, 2024, 3rd Test at Brisbane (Gabba)
December 26-30, 2024, 4th Test at MCG Melbourne (Boxing Day Test)
January 3-7, 2025, 5th at Sydney
The second match under lights at Adelaide will be a key contest, especially as India previously lost a day-night Test in Australia. However, the Boxing Day Test remains a proud memory, as India triumphed in that format during their last tour.
Indian Squad Analysis: Strengths and Concerns
Batsmen
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Sarfaraz Khan
Wicketkeepers
- Rishabh Pant
- KL Rahul
- Dhruv Jurel
Bowlers
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
While India boasts experience and all-around depth, concerns linger over certain players. Mohammed Siraj has found it difficult to find his rhythm lately, managing just 6 wickets across his previous four Test appearances. Prasidh Krishna, primarily an ODI bowler, has minimal Test success—just 2 wickets in 2 matches at an average of 65.00. These figures could prove costly against a potent Australian batting line-up.
Lessons from 2011-12: The Fall of Giants
The 2011–12 Australia tour marked a challenging and disappointing period for Indian cricket, exposing vulnerabilities on foreign soil. The team was whitewashed 4-0, and the series effectively marked the end of the international careers of legends Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. That historic low stands as a stark warning as India heads into another tough away series, now with an ageing top order and an unproven pace attack.
Where to Watch the Series
Cricket enthusiasts in India can watch the live broadcast on Star Sports, while the matches will also be streamed online on Disney+ Hotstar. With Test cricket regaining its allure in recent years, this series promises to be a blockbuster showdown.
Final Thoughts
While India carries the pride of its previous conquests Down Under, the road to a third straight series win in Australia looks steeper than ever. Batting inconsistencies, questionable player form, and a hostile Australian environment present formidable challenges. Eager to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia is set to bring fierce competition, promising a series filled with intense action, tactical battles, and gripping drama across five legendary stadiums.