Border Gavaskar Trophy: Players to watch out for in the Boxing Day Test

When two top teams in the game collide, a thrilling battle is staged like the one going on down under. The five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy has forayed into the conclusive end of the Test series and the India vs Australia tussle remains as heated up as ever. What makes the series even more interesting is that both the teams have many struggles to deal with. No one seems to have the decisive factor that can prove their winning factor in Australia. In the three matches played so far in the BGT, India has won one, by a commanding margin of 295 runs. Australia has also one, a dominating 10-wicket victory in the pink ball Test at Adelaide to draw level with the visitors. However, the teams faced a third and seemingly powerful rival than them, the rain. The Gabba Test, poised to be the ultimate spectacle, eventually ended up in a draw as rain the Brisbane played the spoilsport.

Border Gavaskar Trophy at a crucial point ahead of the Boxing Day Test

The Perth Test, opening Border Gavaskar Trophy fixture, witnessed the Indian team exceeding expectations in Perth, which were quite low fresh off the 0-3 series whitewash against NZ at home. Being devoid of their two mainstays, captain Rohit Sharma and the top-order batter Shubman Gill, chances seemed dull for the visitors. However, the team led by Jasprit Bumrah came up with defining display with the bat and the ball to thrash the Kangaroos by 295 runs. However, the expectations, revived by the touring side, has been buried down under now.

India staged the ultimate struggle against the pink ball in the second Test at Adelaide. As Mitchell Starc handled the bright cherry, none of the batters could sustain the attack across innings. The Adelaide Test ended up putting Australia at level in the series as the Kangaroos handed a 10-wicket defeat to India. The Gabba Test highlighted the disappointing performance of India's batting order. The likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli have failed consistently since the Adelaide Test. 

With the Border Gavaskar Trophy poised at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test at the MCG presents a pivotal moment for both teams. India, buoyed by their resilient show to avoid a follow-on at The Gabba, will look to channel that momentum into a strong performance in Melbourne. Senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are anticipated to come back in the league of the runs, as India aims to replicate their 2020 triumph in the Boxing Day Test. With a chance to seize a 2-1 series lead and bolster their path to the WTC 2025 final, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Here's a closer look at the players who could make the biggest impact in the fourth Test.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul has been India's most dependable batter in the series so far, showcasing a mix of grit and finesse at the crease. Accumulating 235 runs across six innings at an average of 47, including two crucial half-centuries, Rahul has provided stability at the top. His measured aggression and ability to build the innings will be critical on the fast-bowler-friendly MCG pitch. Rahul's contest against Australia’s pace attack will likely set the tone for India's batting lineup and could prove decisive.

Nitish Kumar Reddy

One of India’s brightest young talents, Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a standout performer in this series. With 179 runs at an average of 42, the middle-order batsman has impressed with his composure and stroke play. Reddy’s knack for accelerating the innings and rotating the strike has made him a valuable asset, especially at number seven. A strong outing in Melbourne could not only help India’s cause but also cement Reddy’s place as a long-term prospect in the national side.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has been nothing short of sensational, leading India’s bowling attack with unrelenting precision and intensity. With 21 wickets in just three matches, he tops the wicket-taker charts and has been a constant thorn in Australia's batting lineup. Bumrah’s lethal yorkers, sharp bouncers, and unwavering accuracy make him the linchpin of India’s bowling unit. His performance at the MCG will be crucial in India's quest for a series lead and, ultimately, the trophy. India’s success in the Boxing Day Test will rely heavily on these players stepping up under pressure, as they strive to carve another memorable chapter in their storied rivalry with Australia.