Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali opined on how Team India’s star batter Virat Kohli seems to be Australia’s primary target for the upcoming 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He also suggested that the other Indian batters have the advantage of flying under the radar as well. He also said that the other Indian batters should look to make the most of this opportunity and do well.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit said, “From Ricky Ponting to Tim Paine, there have been a lot of statements. They spoke about Virat, Virat, Virat, Virat, and Virat. The remaining batters have better chances. Australians always target one or two players. The others are also there to play cricket.”
Meanwhile, Team India’s Shubman Gill is doubtful for the Test series opener against Australia after he reportedly injured his finger during a match simulation. Basit Ali also stated that in Gill’s absence, the Indian Team should back keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel for the important No. 3 spot as well.
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“India should pick Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI. In Australia, players who are in good form should be included and the team should take advantage of that. Don’t think that Jurel bats at No. 5 or No. 6; make him bat at No. 3. He has a lot of guts and is a good player of the cut and the pull,” he added.
He also opened up on Team India’s confidence level ahead of the all-important Test series.
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“The confidence level of the Indian team is very low. Chup ke to practice kar rahe hai (They are practicing secretly). Play as per your normal routine. You should play a match. They are not playing the match because they don’t want an injury. However, there was an injury even during the practice. The preparation that should have been done before the series is missing. It doesn’t matter if you reached Australia 12 days before the series or even 12 months before the series. This is not the way. You should play matches in Australia to be able to tackle their bowling. Australia in Australia are a very dangerous side, especially according to this Indian team because they have lost 3-0 to New Zealand. The confidence level of the players and the team management is very low,” he concluded.
