The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a massive challenge to India's dominance in world cricket. India recently suffered a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home in one of the most shocking upsets in modern-day cricket. With seniors like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not being in great form, the road ahead won't be easy, and Australia are probably the toughest team India could have faced after New Zealand drubbing.
Injuries to key players like Mohammed Shami, lack of experience playing in the Australian conditions for young batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan and the over-dependency on Jasprit Bumrah with the ball, make the Border-Gavaskar Trophy one of the most challenging tours for India in recent times.
Meanwhile, there were reports that Rohit Sharma might not be available for the first Test in Perth as he is set to become the father for the second time, however, it is not being learned that Rohit is determined to play the series opener. As per a report in SportsTak, Rohit is set to leave for Australia with the first batch on November 10. The second group of Indian players will fly on the following day – November 11. If Rohit Sharma is available for the first Test, it will be a massive boost for India.
WTC Berth At Stake
Meanwhile, India face an uphill task of winning a Test series in Australia to qualify for the WTC final. India’s qualification chances took a bit hit after the Kiwi whitewash and the team now needs a 4-0 win over Australia to secure a qualification on their own. This is a monumental task as Australia are a brute force at home. If India win the series 3-0, 3-1, 4-1, then can qualify for the WTC final if England manage to draw at least one Test vs New Zealand. In case of a 2-0 win, India will need England to beat New Zealand in at least one of their Tests. If India win the series 3-2, they will need England and Sri Lanka to win one Test against New Zealand and Australia respectively.