‘It has to be Virat Kohli’ - Michael Clarke reflects on what India needs to do to win Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The Indian team is all set to take on Australia for the latest edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Both sides will lock horns in the first Test of the five-game series on November 22. The first Test of the series will be played in Perth, and the Indian team will come into the series after being whitewashed by New Zealand in their backyard. 

Ahead of the series, India will look to reclaim their confidence and heavily improve if they are to stand a chance against the Aussies. Talking about the same, former Australia skipper Michael Clarke took centre stage and opined that the likes of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant will have to be in top form if India want to win the series. 

“I am not gonna say 5-0, I really hope Australia win this 3-2, all Test matches get a result, so I hope we get good cricket, so we can see somebody win and somebody lose, and I won't see any draws. I also want the rain to be kind, weather to look after us and stay away cus I would love to see five results,” Clarke told TAB.

“If India are to win the series, it has to be Virat Kohli as the leading run scorer, then Rishabh Pant would be just behind. From Australia’s perspective, I think Smitty (Steve Smith) is due,” he added. 

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I think there is expectation around how good he is: Clarke on Jasprit Bumrah

Furthermore, Clarke talked about who could be the leading wicket-taker in the series, and he did not shy away from heaping praise on star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Being the deputy of skipper Rohit Sharma, Clarke opined that Bumrah would look to lead from the front. 

“Bumrah, leading wicket-taker for India, I think there is expectation around how good he is, and that is going to bring the best out of him. I think some people can shy away from that, and I think he will get better.”