Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has provided an in-depth look into the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between cricketing giants India and Australia. This series, for the first time since the 1991-92 season, will consist of five test matches. Ponting, with his deep insights and experience, believes that Pat Cummins and his Australian team will triumph over India, led by Rohit Sharma, with a convincing 3-1 outcome in the series.
In addition to his series prediction, Ponting shared his thoughts on the potential Indian squad set to travel Down Under later this year. Highlighting noteworthy performers, the former Australian skipper singled out Khaleel Ahmed, the fast bowler from Delhi Capitals, as a prospective asset for India’s Test team in Australia. Khaleel Ahmed, who has showcased admirable form, took 17 wickets in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ponting’s evaluation of Khaleel Ahmed isn’t superficial; as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals since 2018, Ponting has closely observed his growth and prowess on the field.
“Someone like Khaleel Ahmed, I think, could find himself on the Test tour. I know he’s just been over in Zimbabwe recently and played that (T20I) series over there, but a left-armer would be ideal for them to have in their touring squad,” Ponting stated during an appearance on ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan. The former captain further elaborated, “(Mohammed) Shami will be back fit by then, (Mohammed) Siraj we know will be thereabouts somewhere and obviously, Bumrah is going nowhere. So both teams are going to line up really, really strongly.”
For those who need a briefing, Khaleel Ahmed was an integral part of India’s squad for the tours of Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, participating in four out of eight T20Is and successfully capturing three wickets while displaying consistent form. Despite robust performances from Khaleel, there have been rumors that Arshdeep Singh might be preferred as the left-arm pacer for this vital tour of Australia.
Team India has a packed schedule ahead of their Australian expedition, beginning with two Test matches against Bangladesh followed by three Test encounters against New Zealand, both on home soil.
. These matches provide an opportunity for selectors to assess and refine the final squad. It remains plausible that both Arshdeep and Khaleel could be tested, especially since this significant series could influence India’s rank on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table.
Ponting’s advocacy for Khaleel Ahmed derives not just from his recent IPL performances but also from his potential to balance the Indian bowling unit. A left-arm seamer like Ahmed could bring variety and pose different challenges for the Australian batsmen, many of whom have historically shown relative vulnerability to left-arm pace.
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises one of the greatest cricketing spectacles, with both teams expected to field their strongest line-ups. India’s bowling arsenal, featuring confirmed stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, alongside emerging talents such as Mohammed Siraj and potentially Khaleel Ahmed, indicates the depth and diversity of their attack. On the other hand, Australia’s squad, under the leadership of Pat Cummins, is anticipated to bring intense competitiveness, especially on home turf.
Ricky Ponting’s perspectives are invaluable, stemming from his illustrious cricket career and subsequent expertise as a coach and analyst. His backing of Khaleel Ahmed could significantly influence the selectors’ considerations, though they will undoubtedly weigh multiple factors to finalize the most capable squad. Whether Ponting’s predictions about the series outcome and player selections materialize remains to be seen, but his insights surely add an intriguing layer to the prelude of this eminent cricketing contest.
As preparations intensify, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await this marquee series. With high stakes, legendary players, and potential game-changers on both sides, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is poised to deliver exhilarating and memorable moments. Both teams will aim not only for a series win but also to assert their dominance in the Test cricket arena. With strategic planning, rigorous training, and astute selections, the stage is set for a historic clash of titans that is expected to captivate the cricketing fraternity.
