Johannesburg [South Africa]: Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has wished the Indian Test team “all the luck” for the challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia. The five-match Test series, starting in Perth next week, carries significant importance as it could determine India’s qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final scheduled in London next year.
A Formidable Challenge in Australia
The Test series presents a tough task for Rohit Sharma and his team. After their historic series whitewash of New Zealand at home, India now needs to secure four wins in Australia to book a spot in the WTC final. Speaking at the post-match press conference following India’s 3-1 T20I series victory over South Africa, Suryakumar expressed confidence in the Test squad’s preparations.
“For the squad in Australia, I wish them all the luck. I know they’re well-prepared going into the series. It’ll be a challenging one, but I’m confident they’ll give it their all,” Suryakumar said.
Balancing Priorities Across Formats
The T20I series win underlined India’s remarkable player depth, with Suryakumar leading a squad missing key players like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, who are part of the Test contingent in Australia. Despite these absences, India clinched the T20I series with standout performances from young players, showcasing the strength of its domestic system.
Preparations Ramp Up for Perth Test
Meanwhile, the Indian Test team has been fine-tuning its game with intra-squad match simulations to adapt to the bouncy conditions in Perth. The preparations are expected to help batters and bowlers alike as they gear up for the demanding series.
Suryakumar emphasized the hunger and commitment of India’s young players to excel in domestic cricket, even after international assignments.
“I think it speaks volumes about the strength of Indian cricket’s base. These players are eager to return to domestic cricket and perform for their states. This drive and dedication ensure they continue improving and contributing at every level,” he said.
Looking Ahead
With the T20I series concluded, India’s focus shifts entirely to the Test series. While the young T20 squad returns home to participate in the Ranji Trophy, the Test team faces a formidable Australian side in their quest for WTC glory. The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 in Perth.
