The wait is over! The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is back, pitting cricketing giants India and Australia against each other in what promises to be another thrilling series. While India vs. Pakistan garners attention for its emotional stakes, the India-Australia rivalry consistently delivers drama, intensity, and world-class cricket.

India has dominated this contest in recent years, holding the trophy since 2017. Their historic 2018-19 series win made them the first Asian team to conquer Australian soil, and their 2020-21 triumph was a story of resilience, overcoming injuries and setbacks for a famous 2-1 victory. In 2023, India successfully defended the trophy at home. Now, they return Down Under to take on a formidable Australian side once again.

Let’s revisit the unforgettable 2020-21 series, which is still fresh in the minds of cricket fans. India arrived in Australia for a four-match series, which began with a Day/Night Test in Adelaide. India dominated much of the match before collapsing to 36 all out in their second innings, India’s lowest-ever Test score. Australia won the game comfortably, and doubts started to creep in about India’s ability to recover. However, what followed was nothing short of miraculous.

In the second Test at Melbourne, Ajinkya Rahane, leading the side in the absence of Virat Kohli, played one of the finest innings of his career. His century was the cornerstone of India’s win as the team leveled the series. Young Shubman Gill impressed on debut, showing poise and maturity beyond his years. The third Test in Sydney was another enthralling contest. Chasing a huge target, India fought tooth and nail to salvage a draw. Cheteshwar Pujara was his resilient self, while Rishabh Pant played a bold counterattacking knock. Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari, both battling injuries, stood firm to see out the final hours.

The series finale at the Gabba was a story for the ages. The Brisbane ground was a fortress for Australia, unbeaten there since 1989. India, fielding a depleted side with several key players injured, chased down a record target. Shubman Gill’s stunning 91 set the tone, Pujara absorbed countless blows to score a gritty fifty, and Rishabh Pant finished the job with an unbeaten 89, guiding India to one of their greatest wins.

This upcoming series, however, presents a new set of challenges. India’s recent Test form has been shaky. They come into this contest after suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of New Zealand at home, a rare occurrence. To make matters tougher, the team will be without key players for the opening Test. Rohit Sharma, India’s regular captain, is unavailable due to injury, while opener Shubman Gill has also been ruled out after picking up an injury during a warm-up simulation match. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side in Rohit’s absence, and young players like Devdutt Padikkal, who has been asked to stay back and Dhruv Jurel are expected to step up.

The batting lineup, likely featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as openers, will rely on Virat Kohli to rediscover his form in a country where he has thrived. The bowling attack, led by Bumrah, includes Siraj, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana, supported by spinners Ashwin, Jadeja, and Sundar.

India’s history in Australia is filled with iconic moments, from the 2003-04 series tied by Dravid and Laxman’s brilliance to the fiery 2007-08 win in Perth, Kohli’s heroics in 2014-15, and the back-to-back triumphs in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

The stakes are high this time. India must win 4-0 to secure a direct spot in the World Test Championship final, a daunting but not impossible task for a team known for defying the odds.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is more than just cricket; it’s a battle of grit, skill, and resilience. With alarms set and players ready, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in this storied rivalry.