'I'll stick with the 3- 1'- Ricky Ponting reconfirms his prediction for BGT 2024-25

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has reconfirmed his prediction of a 3-1 scoreline in favour of Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He cited India's recent struggles and the absence of key pacer Mohammed Shami as crucial factors.

Ponting showed increased confidence in his prediction made in August following India's recent series defeat to New Zealand and Shami's injury setback. The Australian legend believes India's bowling capabilities as their primary challenge in the five-match Test series.

"Probably more so now (than before). (Mohammed) Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group. Back then (in August) there was still some conjecture about whether Shami would be fit or not. I think taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge. I think they'll bat well enough out here with the current group of batters that they've got," Ponting said about Australia's chances against India as quoted by the ICC.

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Leading run scorer, I'm going to go - Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant: Ricky Ponting

While praising India's potential to secure a victory in the series, Ponting is convinced of Australia's superior position.

"I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches. But I still think now, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they're a very hard team to beat at home. So I'll stick with the 3- 1," Ponting added.

Looking ahead to individual performances, Ponting has put his bets on Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant as potential leading run-scorers for the series. Additionally, Smith, who will return to his preferred number four position, particularly caught Ponting's attention.

"Leading run scorer, I'm going to go - Steve Smith or Rishabh Pant. I think Smith, the fact that he's moved back down from opener to No.4 probably makes it feel like he's got more of a point to prove...that maybe he shouldn't have gone up to open in the first place and that No.4 is his spot and where he should have probably been the whole time and where he probably finished his career now," he further continued.

In the bowling department, Ponting backed Josh Hazlewood to be as the leading wicket-taker, citing his current form and consistency. 

"I think Hazlewood out of the Australian quicks, is right at the moment, is probably at the peak of his powers more than the other guys. So I'll go with him for the leading wicket-taker," he concluded.