Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024: For India These 6 Pacers Will be Key to Watch

In the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, India’s pace attack will be crucial, especially given their previous successes in Australia. In the 2018-19 series, India made history as the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia, thanks to stellar performances from players like Jasprit Bumrah and Cheteshwar Pujara. India further showcased their dominance in the 2020-21 series, where a young and resilient team clinched victory in Australia despite significant challenges. With such a formidable legacy, the current squad’s pace bowlers will be pivotal in continuing this trend of excellence.

In the 2018-19 Border Gavaskar Trophy, India made history by becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia, triumphing 2-1. The series began with a significant victory at Adelaide, where Cheteshwar Pujara’s vital contributions with the bat and Rishabh Pant’s record-equalling 11 dismissals set the tone. Although Australia fought back in the second Test at Perth, India’s comprehensive win in the third Test at Melbourne, led by Pujara’s century and Jasprit Bumrah’s 9-wicket haul, secured their lead. The final Test at Sydney, despite ending in a draw, showcased India’s dominance with Pujara’s 193 and Kuldeep Yadav’s 5-wicket haul.

In the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, India once again showcased their dominance with a 2-1 series win. Despite a humiliating defeat in the first Test at Adelaide, India rebounded strongly in the second Test at Melbourne, led by Ajinkya Rahane’s century and strong bowling performances from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The third Test at Sydney ended in a dramatic draw, with resilient batting from Hanuma Vihari and Ravi Ashwin ensuring the result. The series concluded with a historic win at The Gabba, where young talents Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant led India to a memorable victory, broke Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue, and retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy by a 2-1 margin.

The Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 will feature five Tests between India and Australia, starting on November 22, 2024. The series kicks off in Perth and includes matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne (Boxing Day Test Match), and Sydney.

Let’s look at 6 Indian bowlers who will be crucial in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024 Test series

Mohammed Shami SENA Stats

Shami’s experience in SENA conditions is invaluable. His ability to bowl long spells and extract movement in challenging conditions makes him crucial for the 2024-25 series. Moreover, Shami has shown the ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by his success in South Africa and Australia, where conditions are often harsh for fast bowlers. Furthermore, His variations and skill in exploiting different conditions add depth to the Indian pace attack. Shami’s success in Australia, with two five-wicket hauls, showcases his ability to adapt and perform on challenging tracks.

Country	Mats	Inns	Over	Mdn	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBF	Avg	Eco	SR	5-wkt	10-wkt
South Africa	8	16	260.3	50	813	35	5/28	8/107	23.22	3.12	44.6	2	0
England	14	25	484.5	86	1701	42	4/57	6/108	40.50	3.50	69.2	0	0
New Zealand	4	7	149.0	23	534	15	4/70	6/219	35.60	3.58	59.6	0	0
Australia	8	15	280.1	47	997	31	6/56	6/136	32.16	3.55	54.2	2	0

Jasprit Bumrah SENA Stats

Bumrah’s exceptional performance in England and Australia, with the lowest averages among the trio of himself, Shami, and Siraj, makes him a key player. His ability to take wickets in crucial phases of the game and his proven record in Australia (6/33) underline his match-winning potential. Moreover, Bumrah’s success in various SENA conditions highlights his adaptability. His unique bowling action and skill set make him effective in diverse conditions, crucial for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Furthermore, Bumrah’s precision in the death overs can also translate well into Test scenarios where controlling runs and taking wickets at critical times are vital.

Country	Mats	Inns	Over	Mdns	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBF	Avg	Eco	SR	5-wkt	10-wkt
Australia	7	14	274.5	77	680	32	6/33	9/86	21.25	2.47	51.5	1	0
England	9	17	357.0	86	972	37	5/64	9/110	26.27	2.72	57.8	2	0
New Zealand	2	4	61.4	12	190	6	3/62	5/101	31.66	3.08	61.6	0	0
South Africa	8	15	265.3	48	789	38	6/61	8/86	20.76	2.97	41.9	3	0

Mohammed Siraj’s SENA Stats

Siraj’s performance in the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy was crucial, particularly his five-wicket haul in the second Test at Melbourne. His ability to bowl in different conditions and his knack for taking wickets make him a promising option. Although his average in England and Australia isn’t as impressive as Shami and Bumrah, Siraj’s recent performances in domestic cricket suggest he is in form and ready to contribute significantly. Siraj’s pace and bounce can be particularly effective on Australian pitches, and his ability to generate movement will be a key asset.

Country	Mats	Inns	Over	Mdns	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBF	Avg	Eco	SR	5-wkt	10-wkt
South Africa	4	7	91.0	17	290	12	6/15	7/46	24.16	3.18	45.5	1	0
England	6	11	201.5	30	782	23	4/32	8/126	34.00	3.87	52.6	0	0
Australia	3	6	134.2	32	384	13	5/73	6/150	29.53	2.85	62.0	1	0

3 New Pacers Who Could Be Selected for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024

Arshdeep Singh First Class Stats

Arshdeep Singh has been impressive in domestic cricket with his consistent performances. In First-Class cricket, he has taken 49 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 31.97. A left-arm option along with his ability to swing the ball both ways and his disciplined line and length make him a valuable asset, particularly in conditions where movement off the pitch is crucial. His experience in T20s and ODIs also provides him with a diverse skill set that could be beneficial in the BGT.

Mats	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBF	Avg	Eco	SR	5-wkt	10-wkt
16	28	2922	1567	49	5/33	5/48	31.97	3.21	59.6	1	1

Mukesh Kumar First Class Stats

Mukesh Kumar has been a standout performer in domestic cricket, with 166 wickets in 43 First-Class matches at an average of 20.72. His disciplined approach and ability to extract movement from the pitch make him a potent threat. His solid domestic record suggests he could adapt well to the conditions in Australia, where pace and swing can be effective.

Mats	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBF	Avg	Eco	SR	4-wkt	5-wkt	10-wkt
43	78	7542	3441	166	6/32	10/50	20.72	2.73	45.4	9	7	1

Akash Deep First Class Stats

Akash Deep’s performance in domestic cricket, with 107 wickets in 31 First-Class matches at an average of 23.70, highlights his potential. His pace and ability to swing the ball make him an exciting prospect. His performance in the shorter formats and List A cricket also adds versatility to his bowling, making him a strong contender for the BGT.

Mats	Inns	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Avg	Eco	SR	4-wkt	5-wkt	10-wkt
31	50	4966	2536	107	6/60	10/112	23.70	3.06	46.4	7	4	1