Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has made his predictions for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where India and Australia will face off in a five-match Test series. The series will commence in November 2024 and conclude in January 2025, with matches spread over three months. This high-profile contest is set to grab the attention of cricket fans globally. India has had notable success in Australia, having won the last two series on Australian soil in 2018-19 and 2020-21, both with a 2-1 margin.

Border Gavaskar Trophy Series schedule and venues

The series opener will take place in Perth, known for its fast, bouncy conditions that typically favor the home side. This will be followed by the second Test at the Adelaide Oval, where a day-night Test under lights will be played starting December 6. The third Test is scheduled in Brisbane from December 14 to 18. The series will then head to Melbourne for the traditional Boxing Day Test from December 26 to 30, with the final Test taking place in Sydney from January 3 to 7. The outcome of this series could play a crucial role in determining India’s qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, set to be held in June 2025 in England.

Yuvraj Singh’s bold prediction

During a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire YouTube Podcast, alongside cricket experts Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan, Yuvraj Singh expressed confidence in India’s chances of securing their third consecutive series win in Australia. Yuvraj predicted a 3-2 victory for Rohit Sharma’s team, continuing India’s impressive performance Down Under.

Also READ: BGT 2024-25: Dinesh Karthik drops a bold prediction for the India-Australia Test series

Reflecting on resilience of he younger generation

Yuvraj highlighted India’s consistent performances in Australia over the last two tours. Despite India’s struggles in the ICC World Test Championship 2023 final, where Australia emerged victorious, Yuvraj pointed out that the team had previously made history by winning two back-to-back Test series in Australia. He recalled how India bounced back from being bowled out for just 36 runs in the opening Test of their last tour to eventually win the series 2-1, an achievement he believes showed the resilience of the younger generation.

“India were 30 all-out on the previous tour and they won the series 2-1 from there. I would have never thought India could win 2-1 after losing like that in the first Test. The current generation doesn’t think too much about the opposition, and I thought the preparation of the younger guys was really good when they went to Australia compared to when we toured back in the day,” Yuvraj said on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast.

Challenges ahead for Team India

While Yuvraj is optimistic about India’s chances, he acknowledged that winning in Australia is never an easy task. He emphasized the importance of preparation and teamwork, remarking that beating Australia in their home conditions is akin to winning a World Cup.

“Beating Australia twice in Australia is quite big, especially considering our history when we never won in Australia. I am sure they will be prepared but it won’t be easy beating Australia in Australia. It’s like winning a World Cup but it’s not impossible. If they prepare well and stick to each other, they can win,” Yuvraj concluded.

Australia’s motivation for victory

On the other hand, Australia will be motivated to reclaim the BGT on their home soil. Their last Test series win against India came during the 2014-15 series, and they will be eager to replicate that success in this upcoming contest. With both teams gearing up for an intense battle, the upcoming fight for the BGT promises to be one of the most thrilling Test series in recent memory.

Also READ: Not Virat Kohli! Nathan Lyon warns Australia about an Indian batter who will be difficult to stop in BGT 2024-25

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.