Last Updated on 1 week by Charbel Coorey
India were absolutely sensational in the first of the five-match Test series against Australia. A clinical 295-run win by the visitors ensured that they lead the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-0. Despite the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah left no stone unturned in putting the Aussies on the back foot.
One of the biggest positives from the first Test for India was Virat Kohli getting back into the groove. After blowing hot and cold with the bat this year, he finally managed to end his century drought and scored an amazing hundred. With Rohit returning for the remaining four Tests, it will be exciting to see if India changes their plans, or go with the same approach they had in the first Test in Perth.
During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan, Ravi Shastri gave his thoughts on some of India’s key players. He drew light on Virat Kohli, and his record in Australia. When asked about his thoughts on the batting maestro, the former Indian cricketer stated that Kohli has played his best cricket against Australia. Post which, Shastri also praised Rishabh Pant, and had high hopes from him.
It is to be noted that the keeper-batter has a superb record in Australia. As a matter of fact, he was the main reason why India went on to win the Gabba Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020/21. Despite not getting a big score in the first Test, all eyes would be on Pant throughout the series.
While speaking at Kayo Sports’ Summer of Cricket event organized by Fox Cricket, Shastri also had a word of caution for Rohit Sharma. He wanted the Indian skipper to be careful. When asked about Rohit’s aggressive approach, the former Indian coach spoke about the dynamics of the longest format of the game, and the importance of being careful while batting.
Ravi Shastri interview: Pant is a proven match-winner
Below is the entire conversation between Arvind Kalyana Krishnan and Ravi Shastri:
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: My first question to you is about Rohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma’s aggressive style has worked in limited-overs, but what about the longest format?
Ravi Shastri: No, he will have to mix caution with aggression here. Because Test cricket is a different game. You’ve got to see that new ball through as well.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: And as far as Virat Kohli is concerned, what’s your opinion?
Ravi Shastri: Leave all that behind (talking about the poor form coming into the series). In Australia, he’s always played his best cricket against Australia, so he’ll think only of that and not the previous form.
Arvind Kalyana Krishnan: And my last question to you is about Rishabh Pant. He has a proven record in Australia. Thoughts?
Ravi Shastri: He (Pant) is a champion. He’s a proven match-winner, he’s one of a kind and he’s a maverick.
