The ongoing rivalry between India and Australia has been steadily intensifying over the past decade, as both nations vie for supremacy in all formats of the game. For the most part, they have been the top two Test teams, boasting the highest winning percentages in red-ball matches during this period. They currently lead the World Test Championship standings, having faced each other in the final last year. Australia emerged victorious in a commanding 209-run win at the Oval, marking the culmination of a cycle of renewal and stability.
India, on the other hand, is still seeking its first WTC title, having lost both the inaugural final to New Zealand in 2021 and last year's clash with Australia. However, they have firmly held onto the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning the past four Test series against Australia—twice at home and twice away—since relinquishing the trophy nearly a decade ago.
But with captain Rohit Sharma showing signs of aging and star batter Virat Kohli's influence waning, cracks have begun to surface in the Indian lineup. This was most evident in their historic and humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to New Zealand. The lack of depth in the squad was further exposed when Shubman Gill, who was slated to move from No. 3 to open in the first Test due to Rohit's delayed arrival for family reasons, suffered a thumb injury.
As India navigates the challenges of regeneration under pressure, we examine the five players—both new and seasoned—poised to make an impact in their first five-match series against Australia since 1991-92.
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