Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Five players to watch out for

Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, were annihilated by New Zealand at home in a 3-game Test series in what turned out to be an unprecedented humiliation. With a chip on their shoulders, the team will embark on their toughest assignment of the calendar year, the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Senior players, including Rohit and Virat Kohli, stooped to career low averages and hence, the pressure on their heavy shoulders will be at its peak.

It goes without saying, the stakes are high for both teams as India, coming off a series loss at home to New Zealand, are under pressure not only to perform for their pride but to stand tall in quest of a position in the World Test Championship finals. On the other hand, Australia desperately wants to reclaim its dominance at home. They haven't won Border Gavaskar Trophy since 2017, and Aussies are not used to these long droughts.

That being said, ahead of the highly anticipated tour, let's look at the five players who will remain in focus throughout the five-game series.

1.  Virat Kohli

After scoring 93 runs in 6 innings against New Zealand, Virat Kohli is fighting for survival. BCCI is keen on mulling changes in the Test setup if India fails to qualify for WTC finals which includes the potential exit of Kohli amongst other non-performing seniors. Historically, Virat Kohli's record in Australia is phenomenal. 

He played 25 innings and scored 1352 runs, which include six hundreds and an average of 54.08. Not just that, his experience in high-pressure situations makes him very valuable. On the other hand, Kohli's fierce battle with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will be a key battle in each Test as fans will get to see if he can add more memorable innings to his Border-Gavaskar Trophy legacy. Also, with his red ball career on the line, Kohli is expected to unleash his true potential.

2. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is unarguably one of the most important players for India in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As India's leading pacer, Bumrah will be tasked to scalp early wickets and also act as a crisis man to break tough partnerships. In 14 innings, Bumrah has 32 wickets in Australia, including a fifer. Moreover, in the absence of injured Mohammad Shami, Bumrah's responsibilities will only double in volume.

Bumrah's ability to perform in varied conditions, his sharp pace, and his deadly yorkers make him a potent weapon, especially in Test cricket. Also, one of the unique skills Bumrah brings to Test cricket is his ability to bowl in the dying moments of an innings. Similar to his limited-overs skills, Bumrah can use his precision in toe-crushing yorker deliveries to clean up tailenders, thus ensuring India's opponents do not add unnecessary runs in the lower order.

3. Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labschagne has become Australia's leading performer at home conditions in the recent past. Across 47 innings, he has scored 2623 runs, including 9 hundred and 12 fifties. One of the special skills that makes Marnus a key player against India is his ability to tackle spin. Labuschagne's approach in facing India's spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be a test of his skills. Moreover, with Cameron Green missing out on the series due to back surgery, the responsibility to score runs in the middle order will fall on Labuschagne and Steve Smith's shoulders. Hence, Marnus Labschagne is a player to watch out for in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

4. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is one of the most exciting cricketers in the Indian squad, and his performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be closely watched. Pant, the central hero of the iconic Gabba victory, will carry loads of expectation this time around. Having made his Test return after 2 years, Pant displayed positive intent in the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. His aggressiveness and unorthodox shot selection make him a unique player to watch. India often relies on his intent to boost runs in the lower middle order. His 159 against Australia in the 2021 Brisbane Test, for example, showcased his fearless batting approach. Hence, this year, the wicket-keeper batter will be tasked to pull off something similar and ensure India a series victory.

5. Pat Cummins

While Mitchell Starc is believed to be Australia's primary pace threat, skipper Pat Cummins could prove a dark horse.  With his sheer pace, proven accuracy, and aggressive mentality, Cummins leads a well-rounded Australian attack that includes fellow pacers Josh Hazlewood and Starc. He can bowl long, and economic spells with height acting as an advantage. At home, Cummins has picked up 152 wickets in 63 innings, including 8 fifers and 2 ten-wicket-hauls. Hence, his performance will be a barometer for Australia's chances of success in this series.