Ricky Ponting's Prediction: India Set to Suffer Big Series Defeat in Border Gavaskar Trophy

New Delhi: Ricky Ponting, the former Australia captain, has confidently stated that Australia will be the frontrunners in the upcoming five-match Test series against India, set to kick off on November 22. India heads into the series on the back of a humbling 0-3 whitewash on home turf, a first in their cricket history.Ponting believes that Australia's strong form and depth in their squad will give them the edge over the struggling Indian team.

Considering India’s recent performance and current form, Ponting believes the Rohit Sharma-led side isn’t heading into the series with full confidence. He picked Australia as the firm favourites to win 3-1, citing their experience and dominance at home.

“I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches. But I still think now, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they’re a very hard team to beat at home. So I’ll stick with the 3-1,” Ponting said on ICC Review.

Ponting further pointed out a significant gap in India’s bowling attack due to the absence of pacer Mohammed Shami. The fast bowler, who has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup with a heel injury, hasn’t recovered in time and is therefore unavailable for the series.

“Probably more so now (than before). (Mohammed) Shami just leaves such a big hole in that bowling group. Back then (in August) there was still some conjecture about whether Shami would be fit or not. I think taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge. I think they’ll bat well enough out here with the current group of batters that they’ve got,” Ponting said about Australia’s chances against India as quoted by the ICC.

In Shami’s absence, India have included young pacers Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana in their 18-member squad, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj for the pace attack. India has won their last two Test series in Australia and will need to replicate that success to stay in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.