The ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has already witnessed some memorable and action-packed moments between two of the most competitive sides in world cricket. Team India won the first test, while Australia returned strongly to win the second one.
The action now shifts to the third test in Brisbane, which will begin on December 14th. Team India will be looking to make a comeback after being defeated within three days in the second test while the Australian team will be looking to continue their winning run.
In this post, we will discuss five Indian players who could play a big role in the third test. The players mentioned in the list have played an influential role during crunch situations previously and in the third test responsibility will be on their shoulders to produce the goods. We discuss these players in detail:
Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
1. Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah is the core of the Indian bowling lineup as the 31-year-old has stood up whenever the chips were down. The pacer can destroy any batting lineup on his day with his quick pace and bounce.
The Brisbane wicket might favour him if there is extra pace on the wicket. Bumrah is penetrative with his late swing that has troubled the Australian batters which the Australian dugout will be aware of. The pacer registered figures of 5/30 and 3/42 in the first test and 4/61 in the first innings of the second test.
2. Yashaswi Jaiswal
Jaiswal is a precious talent who is expected to break many records in the future if he shows consistency. The left-hander has already played some brilliant knocks with his attacking intent since his debut this year and his 161 in the first test at Perth was simply amazing.
The 23-year-old is a fine stroke player on all sides of the wicket. If he gets going then Australian bowlers might find it difficult to handle him. Whether it is pulling the ball, driving the ball, cutting the ball or playing front-foot or back-foot punches, Jaiswal can adjust to conditions quickly.
3. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma didn’t play the first test but returned for the second test. He could score 3 & 6 in both innings of the second test. The captain will be eager to prove everyone wrong that despite his age he still possesses the class to score big runs.
The right-hander needs to bat up the order to get the momentum. The 37-year-old has loads of experience playing in different conditions and that is what his class is all about.
4. Rishabh Pant
Pant made a quick recovery after suffering from injuries due to a road accident in December 2022. The wicket-keeper batter scored 37 & 1 respectively in both innings of the first test and 21 & 28 respectively in both innings of the second test.
Despite getting starts the 27-year-old couldn’t convert his scores into big ones. Pant is a match-winner and as we have witnessed before the left-hander can take apart any bowling lineup with his attacking and aggressive batting style. Pant’s role will be vital lower down the order especially while facing the old ball in Brisbane where pacers can get extra seam movement .
5. Virat
Perhaps this could be Kohli’s last Australian tour alongside Rohit Sharma but ‘King Kohli’ has showcased tremendous fitness standards whether it is his batting or fielding.
The right-hander scored a brilliant unbeaten 100 in the second innings of the first test at Perth but in the second test could manage to score 7 & 11 in the first and second innings respectively. The former India captain will be eager to score big and put India in a winning position.
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