IND vs AUS: Mohammed Shami Fires Warning Shot, Calls India Favourite for Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024

Add as a preferred source on Google

IND vs AUS: Fast bowler Mohammed Shami has confidently backed India as the favourites to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy during their upcoming tour of Australia, which starts on November 22, 2024.

Speaking on the matter to the media at a CAB event, Shami dismissed any doubt about India's superiority, expressing his belief that it's the Australians who should be concerned this time around.

"Favourites hum hi hai (we are the favourites)," Mohammed Shami asserted when asked about India's chances in the five-match Test series. His confidence is not without merit. India has triumphed in back-to-back series in Australia, including the historic 2020-21 victory.

That series, which India won 2-1, saw the team bounce back after a crushing defeat in the first Test. The decisive victory came at Brisbane's Gabba, a venue where Australia had been unbeaten for over three decades. This memorable series win has undoubtedly bolstered India's self-belief, which Shami seems to reflect in his comments.

India's success in Australia over the past two tours has rewritten the narrative of their overseas performances, particularly in conditions considered challenging for subcontinental teams. Shami emphasized that it's the Australians who now need to worry, noting that India's recent achievements in Australia put them in the driver's seat.

"Chinta unhe honi chahiye, hume nahi (They should be worried about us)," Shami stated, referencing the mental edge India has gained from their previous victories.

While Mohammed Shami won't be a part of India's squad for the immediate future, as he recovers from Achilles tendon surgery, his insights still carry weight. The veteran pacer is also keeping a close eye on India's upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, which kicks off on September 19.

Bangladesh's recent success, a 2-0 sweep over Pakistan, has raised expectations for the team. However, Shami was quick to remind Bangladesh of India's dominant home record.

"Beating India requires a different skill set," Shami pointed out. India has remained unbeaten in home Test series since 2012, an astonishing streak that highlights their formidable status, especially in familiar conditions. While Bangladesh may be riding high, Shami's warning serves as a reality check, emphasizing that success against India, either at home or abroad, is no small feat.