The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has always been a showcase of cricketing talent, with the rivalry between India and Australia intensifying with each encounter. As we look forward to the 2025 edition, the spotlight turns to the fast bowlers, the pacers, who could very well dictate the series’ narrative. Among the many, three stand out with their current form and historical performance: Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins. With the potential to each clinch more than 30 wickets in the series, let’s delve into what makes these bowlers such formidable forces.
Jasprit Bumrah:
Jasprit Bumrah has redefined fast bowling with his unique action and an arsenal of deliveries that keep even the best batsmen guessing. In the previous BGT, Bumrah has already showcased his ability to dismantle batting line-ups, picking up 12 wickets. His bowling is a blend of pace, swing, and an uncanny ability to bowl yorkers at will, making him a nightmare for batsmen on any pitch, especially in Australia where conditions often favor seam bowlers.
Bumrah’s approach is not just about speed; it’s about variation. His slower balls, bouncers, and in-swingers have added dimensions to India’s bowling attack, making him a pivotal player. If he maintains his fitness and form, there’s every reason to believe that he could take more than 30 wickets in the BGT 2025, given his track record and the conditions expected in Australia.
Mitchell Starc:
Mitchell Starc’s name is synonymous with speed and swing. With 12 wickets in the previous series, Starc has proven he can be a match-winner on his day. His ability to bowl at express pace while swinging the ball both ways makes him one of the most feared bowlers in Test cricket. Starc’s record in Australia, where he has the advantage of home conditions, speaks volumes of his capability to dominate.
Starc’s effectiveness lies not just in his pace but in his ability to bowl in the right areas consistently, especially early in the innings when the ball swings. His reverse swing in later stages can be equally devastating. If the pitches in the BGT 2025 offer even a hint of assistance to the bowlers, Starc’s tally could easily surpass 30 wickets, adding another chapter to his storied career.
Pat Cummins:
Pat Cummins has shown that he can lead from the front not just with his captaincy but also with the ball in hand, securing 10 wickets in the last series. His rise from a prodigious talent to a seasoned campaigner has been phenomenal. Cummins combines pace with precision, often bowling long spells that wear down the opposition. His leadership on the field, understanding the game’s nuances, and ability to change plans according to the batsman’s approach make him a unique threat.
Cummins has an excellent record against India, and with the responsibility of leading the team, he’s likely to push himself even harder. His skill set, including his bouncers and reverse swing, could be particularly effective in the challenging conditions of the BGT 2025. A tally over 30 wickets from Cummins wouldn’t just be a personal triumph but could significantly influence the series’ outcome.
For these three pacers to clinch over 30 wickets each, the pitches in the series will play a crucial role. While Australian pitches are generally known for aiding fast bowlers with bounce and pace, the specific conditions in each match can vary. The Gabba, Perth, and even Adelaide with its day-night Test can offer different challenges and opportunities. If the pitches are lively with some seam movement, or if they break down to assist reverse swing later in the game, Bumrah, Starc, and Cummins could have a field day.
However, it’s not just about the pitches; it’s also about the quality of the batting line-ups they’ll face. India has shown resilience against pace in the past, with players like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara known for their defensive techniques and ability to counter-attack. Australia, on the other hand, has its own set of challenges with batsmen like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne who have mastered the art of batting against pace. Yet, the psychological edge of having bowlers who can dominate with speed and precision can turn the tide in crucial moments of the game.
As we approach the BGT 2025, the performances of Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins will undoubtedly be central to the narrative. Their combined potential to take over 30 wickets each isn’t just about personal accolades but about shaping the series’ outcome. The battle between bat and ball will be intense, and these three pacers could very well be the architects of their teams’ fortunes. Whether they reach this lofty goal will depend on many factors, but one thing is clear: their presence promises a thrilling contest of skill, strategy, and sheer cricketing excellence.
