The first batch of Indian cricketers for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has landed in Australia, ready to kickstart preparations for the 2024-25 series. On November 10, players Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, Sarfaraz Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, were spotted departing from Mumbai. Anticipation is high as India faces Australia on their turf, hoping to reclaim the prestigious trophy.
By November 12, star players Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul were seen hard at work in the nets at Perth’s iconic WACA ground. Jaiswal, in particular, caught everyone’s attention, displaying impressive form by timing the ball impeccably.
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One of his powerful hits went soaring over the practice area, landing on a nearby street—a moment that quickly went viral on social media, showcasing his growing confidence and strength. Following a controversial period for Team India, new Head Coach Gautam Gambhir finds himself in the spotlight after India’s first-ever home whitewash, suffered against New Zealand.
Jaiswal just whacked it over the nets and onto the adjacent road. Luckily no cars or pedestrians around – the nearby school has just finished for the day pic.twitter.com/w8rt8HHVWI
— Tristan Lavalette (@trislavalette) November 12, 2024
This unexpected loss has intensified pressure on the team, which now faces a steep challenge: They must win four out of five matches in the Border-Gavaskar series to qualify for the World Test Championship final. Despite mounting criticism, Gambhir remains focused on the present, dismissing the idea that India’s recent struggles are solely due to a “transition phase.”
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“I’m not thinking about transition; my only focus is on the upcoming five Test matches,” Gambhir told Times of India. “Whether or not we’re in a transition phase doesn’t concern me. I see a room full of incredibly tough characters who are hungry to perform. We’re here to take on Australia and prove ourselves on the field,” he added, expressing confidence in his players’ resilience and determination to rise to the challenge in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
