Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has given an ambitious prediction on India’s chances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Jaffer believes that the fast bowling trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj must be available for India to retain the trophy.
Bumrah, Shami and Siraj have been the pillars of India’s success in recent years, especially in overseas Tests. The trio have proven to be lethal at times and have caused immense problems for opposing teams even in their own conditions.
The three bowlers have different skills, making them a lethal bunch. However, their fitness will be challenged as this is a long series comprising five Test matches.
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Wasim Jaffer’s massive prediction on India’s chances in BGT 2024-25
In a segment of #AskWasim, Wasim Jaffer was asked about India’s chances in the upcoming Test series against Australia. Jaffer replied that Bumrah, Shami and Siraj need to remain fit and available for the entire series. He also mentioned that Arshdeep Singh can add variety with his left-arm angle and also added Mayank Yadav’s name to the list of fast bowlers.
“If Bumrah, Shami and Siraj stay fit and can play a major part of the series, India has a great chance of completing a hat-trick in Australia. Arshdeep could provide the left-arm option. And Mayank Yadav is a surprise player, provided he is fit and available,” Jaffer posted on X (previously Twitter).
If Bumrah, Shami and Siraj stay fit and can play the majority of the series, India has a great chance of completing a treble in Australia. Arshdeep could provide the left-arm option and Mayank Yadav could be a surprise horse, provided he is fit and available. #AUSvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 11, 2024
Possible Indian bowling combination in BGT 2024-25
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj have been India’s first-choice fast bowlers in Test cricket. All of them have prior experience in Australia and can become a lethal combination if all of them play together.
Arshdeep Singh’s recent exploits in the 2024 T20 World Cup with the new ball make him a likely contender for the series. India does not have many left-arm spinner options and so does Arshdeep Singh. If he can prove that he is fit for the longer format, he may get a chance to be selected in the squad.
Mayank Yadav is another option but he seems to have very little chance of being selected. Mayank played only four matches in the IPL 2024 and picked up 7 wickets. His pace and control over his line and length make him one of the top options to be selected but his fitness is a major concern.
Wasim Jaffer on India’s preparation for Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, Wasim Jaffer was also asked about India’s future plans to prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be held in February-March next year. The former India batsman believes that players who are not part of the series against Australia should play the Vijay Hazare Trophy during this time.
“Let’s get all the first-choice ODI players who are not going to be part of the Australian tour to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December-January,” Jaffer posted on X.
Get all the first-choice ODI players who will not be part of the Australian tour to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December-January.
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 11, 2024
India are scheduled to play just three more ODIs before next year’s Champions Trophy. Those three ODIs will be against England in the month of February. The Vijay Hazare Trophy is India’s premier domestic 50-overs tournament and could serve as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy.
