Dinesh Karthik predicts a challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy for India
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has predicted a challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the Indian cricket team.
The team, led by Rohit Sharma, is set to face Australia in the iconic five-match Test series later this year.
Karthik stated that same during the jersey launch for Southern Superstars, which is competing in the Legends League Cricket.
Notably, Australia haven't beaten India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since the 2014/15 series.
Team assessment
Karthik acknowledges Australia's formidable form
Karthik acknowledged the formidable form of the Australian team, stating that their victory in the 2021/23 ICC World Test Championship final was not a fluke. They beat India in a high-octane final last year.
He praised Australia as an excellent team, especially when playing on home turf.
Despite this, he expressed confidence in the resilience and determination of the Indian players to make it a thrilling series.
Series anticipation
Bevan anticipates a competitive series
Echoing Karthik's sentiments, Australian legend and head coach of Southern Superstars, Michael Bevan, also anticipated a competitive series.
He highlighted India's past successes and their understanding of the game.
However, he also noted the new culture being forged by Australia under Pat Cummins's leadership.
Despite his prediction of a close series, Bevan admitted to rooting for his home country in the upcoming matches.
Rivalry
Australia eye much-awaited series win over India
As mentioned, Australia last beat India in a Test series in the 2014/15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (2-0).
India avenged the loss with a 2-1 win at home in 2017. The series was embroiled in controversies.
India then became the only Asian side with a Test series win in Australia (2018/19). They also won the 2020/21 series Down Under before beating Australia at home (2023).