The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025 has already seen its share of drama and unexpected turns. India started the series on a high note, securing a 295-run victory in the first Test at Perth, setting the stage for what promised to be a thrilling contest. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second Test, played under the lights with a pink ball in Adelaide. India’s batting collapsed, managing only 175 in response to Australia’s 357, setting a paltry target of 19 runs which Australia chased down comfortably. The Australian pace duo of Mitchell Starc, who clinched 8 wickets, and Pat Cummins, with a 5-wicket haul in the second innings, were instrumental in this turn of events. As the series moves to the Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test on December 14, the focus shifts to India’s bowling attack, particularly those with historical success at this venue where Jasprit Bumrah, for all his prowess, has not yet had the opportunity to bowl.
Erapalli Prasanna –
The spin wizard of yesteryears, Prasanna holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian at the Gabba with 8 scalps. His ability to extract turn and bounce from even the most unresponsive tracks was legendary, and his performances at the Gabba are a testament to his skill and guile.
Shardul Thakur –
With 7 wickets to his name at the Gabba, Thakur has shown that he can rise to the occasion on foreign soil. His memorable performance in the 2021 series, aiding India in breaking Australia’s fortress, highlighted his potential as a match-winner with both bat and ball.
Bishan Singh Bedi, Madan Lal, Mohammed Siraj, and Ishant Sharma each have taken 6 wickets at this venue, contributing to India’s narrative at the Gabba. Bedi, with his left-arm orthodox spin, was a master at exploiting any assistance from the pitch. Madan Lal, known for his medium pace, played a pivotal role in India’s tours to Australia. Siraj, in more recent times, has shown remarkable resilience and skill, particularly in the 2021 series where he was instrumental in India’s historic win. Ishant Sharma, with his height and bounce, has often been a challenging proposition for Australian batsmen.
The absence of Jasprit Bumrah from this list is not a reflection of his capabilities but rather an indication of his yet unplayed hand at the Gabba. Known for his unique action and ability to swing the ball both ways, Bumrah, if included, could potentially redefine this list in the coming matches.
As India looks to level the series at the Gabba, the historical performance of their bowlers at this venue will be crucial. The challenge is not just about bowling well but also adapting to the specific conditions of the Gabba, which can vary widely from the bouncy pitches of Perth to the seamer-friendly conditions of Adelaide. With players like Prasanna, Thakur, and the others having left their mark, the current squad carries the legacy and the challenge of adding to it. This third Test is more than just another match; it’s an opportunity for redemption, for showcasing resilience, and for potentially etching new names into the annals of Indian cricket’s history at one of Australia’s toughest grounds.
