Five to watch: India players old and new who can shape the Test series against Australia | India cricket team
The simmering rivalry between India and Australia has bubbled away over the past decade as the pair challenge for titles in all formats while they have been, for the most part, the two leading Test teams. The familiar foes have had the best winning percentages in red-ball matches across that period and again top the World Test Championship standings after clashing in the final last year, when Australia capped off a cycle of renewal and rediscovered stability with a resounding 209-run victory at the Oval.
While India are yet to taste success in a WTC decider, having also lost the inaugural final to New Zealand in 2021, they have had a firm grip on the silverware that arguably matters more – the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India have won the past four Test series against Australia – twice as hosts and as many times when playing away – since last handing over the trophy almost 10 years ago.
But with captain Rohit Sharma now showing signs of ageing and star batter Virat Kohli a fading force, cracks have started to appear in the India side and became most apparent in a historic and humbling 3-0 defeat at home to New Zealand. A lack of depth has perhaps also been exposed since the squad arrived in Australia with Shubman Gill – who was earmarked to jump from No 3 to open in the first Test, given Rohit is yet to arrive in the country for family reasons – suffering a thumb injury.
As India are forced to take steps towards regenerating on the run amid mounting pressure to quickly turn around their results, we look at the five players – new and old – ready to make their mark against Australia in their first five-match series since 1991-92.