The stage is set for the ultimate showdown in Test cricket as India and Australia prepare to clash in a five-match blockbuster series. Some even argue this rivalry has grown bigger than the Ashes. For neutral fans, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has consistently delivered unforgettable moments, and if the build-up to this series is any indication, more fireworks are on the horizon.
India arrive in Australia with their sights set on a historic hat-trick of series victories Down Under. It’s remarkable how the balance of power has shifted over the last decade. Once, merely putting up a good fight against the formidable Australian sides was enough to make Indian teams and fans proud. Now, India enter the series as favourites, having clinched the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, including two triumphs on Australian soil.
How have Australia fared in Perth?
The first breakthrough came in 2018-19 when Virat Kohli became the first Indian captain to lead his side to a series victory in Australia. That spirit of resilience shone even brighter in 2020-21 when India, under stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, defied expectations to script an unforgettable triumph.
BGT, Aus vs Ind: Your complete guide
This time, however, the Australians are hurting. A glance at their media coverage reveals a subtle shift in tone. Former Australian cricketers and the press seem keen to avoid riling up the Indian side—especially their talismanic figure, Virat Kohli. It appears lessons have been learned from the last two series.
Can Australia exploit India’s injury woes and player availability concerns to strike the first blow in Perth? India will be without their captain, Rohit Sharma, for the series opener, while Shubman Gill, sidelined with a fractured left thumb, will also be a significant absence.
That said, not everything seems rosy for the hosts either, leaving both teams on even footing as the series begins.
Here’s what our team anticipates from this eagerly awaited clash between two of the world’s premier Test-playing sides.
Nikhil Naz: Prediction- Australia 3-2 India
With their batting order misfiring, both teams look evenly matched. So the result of the 1st Test in Perth will set the tone and determine who wins this series. But with no Rohit Sharma, the batter and captain, and injury to Shubham Gill gives Australia the edge in Perth. I reckon the final result could be 3-2 in Australia’s favour.
Saurabh Kumar: Prediction- India 3-2 Australia
Australia must be licking their lips as slight favorites to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade-long drought. And India’s recent home wobbles might make their confidence a tad shaky, but let’s be real- writing off the Indian team is cricketing blasphemy. With fiery bowling arsenals on both sides, this promises to be a feast for pace enthusiasts, even if India misses Mohammad Shami. While the Aussies dream of ending their BGT drought, my wildly optimistic crystal ball sees India roaring to a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Bishwa Mohan Mishra: Prediction – Australia 4-1 India
Just before the Australia tour, Team India suffered so many setbacks… it will not be easy to recover from them. They have suffered such a defeat at home against New Zealand that its effect is visible on the entire squad. Starting the tour without Rohit Sharma… is even more disappointing. Above all, the team will be under the pressure of the difficult equation to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). The Indian team is on the verge of losing the series 1-4.
Harshit Ahuja: Prediction – Australia 3-1 India
So much has changed for the Indian team over the last three weeks. My prediction prior to the NZ series would have been different but the optimism has been sucked out because of the evident frailties in the batting department. While I see India picking up 20 wickets, in a contest of two out of form batting orders, I see the hosts doing just enough to out-score India. My prediction is 3-1 in favour of the Australian team and for the first time in 8 years, Border will perhaps be happier than Gavaskar.
Siddharth Vishwanathan: Prediction – Australia 3-1 India
India head into the Border Gavaskar Trophy on the back of a humiliating whitewash at home. They encounter an Australian side who are desperate to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 7 years. Australia’s batters look vulnerable, especially Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and with the addition of a debutant Nathan McSweeney. This BGT will be decided by which batting unit is fragile and prone to cluster collapses. India’s batting is not inspiring confidence at this time. This is why I predict a 3-1 scoreline in favour of Australia.
Siddharth Gulati: Prediction – Australia 3-2 India
A 10-year domination could end Down Under. India’s biggest problem is its batting. Despite Siraj being off-colour, expect the bowlers to do well. However, it’s the batting that could struggle to score even 350-400. It’s not panic stations, but there’s enough evidence to suggest there’s cause for worry. Even Australia’s batters, except Usman Khawaja, aren’t entering the series in form. But there’s one thing Australia are good at, and that’s not repeating the same mistake thrice. It’ll be Australia’s experience up against India’s mettle, with the former coming out on top in a series that’ll be the final countdown for some players across the two sides.
Krishan Kumar: Prediction – India 4-0 Australia
This series is important for the Indian team in view of the WTC final, Team India will have to enter with a ‘do or die’ mindset. The Indian team may be considered weak after its recent performance against New Zealand, but the Indian team has defeated the Kangaroos at home in 2018 and 2020. Even then many players were not in the Indian team. In such a situation, India can surprise Australia this time too. I guess that the Indian team will win this series 4-0.
Diya Kakkar: Prediction – Australia 2-1 India
In their last two tours of Australia, India weren’t considered favourites but still managed to defy expectations and secure historic series victories. Despite losing key players and battling injuries during the previous tour, the team rose above all odds to script a memorable triumph.
This time, while the situation may appear similar on the surface, the dynamics are different. India are coming off a dominant 3-0 clean sweep at home, but questions linger. For many young batters, this will be their first experience of playing in Australia, while some of the experienced players struggled for form in the recent home series.
Can India once again overcome the odds? That will be a crucial factor, as the bowlers are expected to shoulder the responsibility and deliver on this challenging tour.
Debodinna Chakraborty: Prediction – India 2-2 Australia
Gambhir has always been that blunt, fearless voice in Indian cricket, saying the things fans feel but don’t always have the confidence to express. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming up, this series isn’t just about who scores the runs or takes the wickets; it’s a battle of confidence and grit, especially after India’s rough outing against New Zealand. Right now, the team needs someone to remind them—and fans—that Team India is not about to crumble under pressure.
After the New Zealand series, critics have been quick to jump on the team’s flaws, pointing out every potential weakness. That’s exactly why Gambhir’s support for players like Rohit, Virat, and KL Rahul matters so much considering their experience. Sure, Sanjay Manjrekar and others might raise eyebrows at Gambhir openly backing these players, but his voice brings reassurance when it’s most needed.
Like we said, leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
