Border Gavaskar Trophy: Sunil Joshi points out big misses in India squad

India is gearing up for its highly anticipated tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25, set to kick off on November 22 in Perth. Recently, the BCCI announced the squad for this much-awaited five-match series, and the selections have sparked considerable discussion due to the notable omissions compared to India's last tour Down Under. Veteran players such as Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Shardul Thakur have been left out, marking a significant shift in the team's composition. Adding to the challenge, senior pacer Mohammed Shami is unavailable as he continues to recover from an injury sustained earlier this year. His absence is felt deeply, as he has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack in previous series.

With these stalwarts not part of the squad, the Indian team will look to younger players to step up and fill the void. Emerging talents like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Reddy have been entrusted with the responsibility of making an impact on this crucial tour. The fresh faces bring a blend of excitement and uncertainty, as India aims to adapt and compete fiercely in Australia. As the series approaches, fans will be keen to see how these new players perform on such a significant stage, hoping to carry forward India's legacy in Test cricket.

"Let's not forget the 2018 and 2021 series. We all know that after the first Test match, Virat (Kohli) came back, and after that things were different. Every Test match, there was a hero from the Indian team. Let's not forget that Indian players have always risen to the occasion in every Test match," said former Indian cricketer Sunil Joshi. 

"Have you ever forgotten Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan, and Washington Sundar? In fact, if you remember, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari, and (Cheteshwar) Pujara as well. So we need character," he added.

Joshi recognized the significant impact of Mohammed Shami's absence for India as they prepare to face Australia. Shami, a key figure in the bowling lineup, has been instrumental in previous series, and his experience will undoubtedly be missed. However, Joshi remained optimistic about the new faces stepping into the limelight. He expressed confidence that the younger players have the talent and determination to rise to the occasion, even in the absence of a seasoned pacer like Shami.

While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Joshi highlighted the potential for these emerging cricketers to showcase their skills on such a prominent stage. The upcoming series presents a valuable opportunity for them to gain experience and make a mark in international cricket. Joshi's belief in the squad's depth and resilience reflects a forward-looking approach, suggesting that while the team may face hurdles, it also holds promise for the future. As the series approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these newcomers adapt and contribute to the team's success, eager to witness the next chapter in India’s cricketing journey.