Manesar, Haryana, November 17 – Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has advised the Indian team to remain calm and focused. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Kapil encouraged the players to avoid external pressures and to focus on expressing themselves on the field.
“I just want to wish my team all the luck. Don’t listen much, go and express yourself. Those who will play well will win. There is no need to take excess pressure,” said Kapil Dev.
India Faces Key Player Absences for the First Test
India will face significant challenges in the series opener in Perth on November 22, as both skipper Rohit Sharma and opener Shubman Gill are unlikely to play.
According to reports, Rohit Sharma has stayed back in India to be with his family for the birth of his second child. He is expected to rejoin the squad before the second Test in Adelaide, which begins on December 6.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill sustained a left-hand injury while fielding in the slips during an intra-squad match and did not return to the field. His availability for the Perth Test remains uncertain.
India enters the series following a disappointing 0-3 home Test series loss to New Zealand earlier this year, their first home series whitewash in 12 years.
Schedule for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy features five Tests spread across Australia’s iconic venues:
- First Test: Perth, November 22-26
- Second Test: Adelaide Oval (Day-Night), December 6-10
- Third Test: The Gabba, Brisbane, December 14-18
- Boxing Day Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground, December 26-30
- Fifth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground, January 3-7
Indian Squad for the Series
The Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy includes key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, and Rishabh Pant. However, the absence of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in the first Test will require other players to step up.
The series promises to be a competitive affair, with India looking to recover from their recent setbacks and reclaim dominance in Test cricket.
