Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma will undoubtedly be essential. Before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Nathan Lyon.
According to seasoned Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, the three “big ones” to look out for in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series are Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant.
As part of the World Test Championship, Australia and India will play five Tests starting on November 22 in Australia.
Lyon has cautioned that in addition to the major players, the visitors have an “amazing lineup” that will present a significant challenge for the hosts.
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant will likely emerge as the three major players. However, there are still Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ravindra Jadeja, to name a few, and I’m still determining if five more will emerge, he said to Star Sports.
Lyon was certain that the Australians would benefit from performing well as a bowling unit over a prolonged period of time.
“But, they have a pretty impressive lineup so that it will be a tremendous task. As I mentioned, ideally, we can test their defence if we can bowl well enough as a group for extended periods,” he continued.
The Australians have failed to win the championship since their final series triumph at home in 2014–15.
Since then, the Indians have set a record for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by winning the championship four times in a row, twice at home and once away.
In addition, they made history by being the only Asian team to win a Test series in Australia, and they did so many times.
With ten wins and a retention, India has been the most successful team overall in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy competition.
Few athletes in cricket can arouse passion like Nathan Lyon when it comes to intense rivalries. The skilled off-spinner from Australia has played against some of the best batters in India. However, which batter would Lyon most prefer to strike out? Recently, Nathan Lyon shared his top choice in an interview that sparked discussion among cricket fans worldwide. Is it the dynamic opener Rohit Sharma? The run machine that is Virat Kohli? or the fiery wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant?
Let’s explore these cricketing giants’ abilities and analyze Lyon’s thinking to see why each would be a valuable scalp for Lyon.
Nathan Lyon, Master of Spine
A Career Defined by Rivalries
Overcoming elite batting opponents has been the cornerstone of Nathan Lyon career. Having played Indian hitters several times in close Test series, he has a well-known rivalry with them. Lyon has regularly been at the core of Australia’s preparations against India, seeking to disrupt India’s powerful batting lineup with his cunning off-spin.
The Subcontinent Challenge Mastery
Lyon’s success on subcontinent pitches—where spinners frequently flourish—is one of his most notable accomplishments. India’s pitches offer tremendous spin, and Nathan Lyon talent has often been a weapon for Australia. Over the years, dismissing elite Indian batters has been one of his most cherished goals, making his recent comments particularly fascinating.
Rohit Sharma – The Explosive Opener
The Hitman’s Fearlessness
Rohit Sharma, known as the “Hitman” for his propensity to score big runs and batter bowlers all over the pitch, has been a cornerstone of India’s top order. His attacking prowess against spin makes him a unique challenge for someone like Lyon. Sharma is a valuable wicket because of his daring stroke play and effortless ability to hit shots over the boundary.
Lyon’s Move Towards Rohit
Even if Lyon has already removed Rohit Sharma, it’s always complex—an exciting duel results from the conflict between Lyon’s patience and Rohit’s aggression. Lyon frequently tries to entice Rohit to attempt a massive hit by luring him into a fake shot. In any match, Australia’s strategy might be determined by dismissing Rohit. Lyon knows a big wicket like this can quickly stifle India’s momentum.
The Run Machine That Is Virat Kohli
A Class and Consistency Batsman
Every bowler in the world aspires to remove Virat Kohli, who is regarded as one of the most incredible batters of the contemporary age. Kohli is a challenging target because of his insatiable desire for runs and ability to dominate opposing bowlers. For any bowler, facing up against Kohli is a physical and mental test, and Lyon is no different.
The Reason Kohli Is Lyon’s Main Target
Lyon acknowledged in the interview that it would be gratifying to get rid of Kohli. Lyon and other spinners are under strain from Kohli’s counterattacking skills and strong technique against spin. Getting rid of Kohli could be crucial to shattering India’s defences in any cricket. Australia’s bowling strategy is constantly threatened by Kohli, whose antagonism with him on the field dates back many years.
The X-Factor, Rishabh Pant
The Adaptive Batsman and Wicketkeeper
Rishabh Pant, a player renowned for his unpredictable and reckless style, has changed the game for India in Test cricket. He is a headache for bowlers due to his aggressive playstyle and ability to turn a game around with fast runs. Pant frequently approaches spinners down the track to take them on and doesn’t hesitate to assault them.
Pant Poses’ Difficulties in Lyon
Rishabh Pant is one of the most demanding players to bowl to because of his unpredictable nature. Pant can rapidly turn a game around, so even if Lyon has managed to remove him in the past, he is still a dangerous wicket. Knowing that dismissing Pant at a crucial juncture may tip Australia’s favour, Lyon would have relished the opportunity.
Conclusion: Which player is Lyon’s ideal wicket?
Kohli Outperforms the Opponents
Lyon respects all three batters, but Virat Kohli is the one Lyon would most like to eliminate. Because of his reputation in the cricket world and his steady play against Australia, Kohli’s wicket is the ultimate goal for Lyon. Australia’s chances of winning a match would increase if Nathan Lyon dismissed Kohli, which would also be a personal victory for him.
The Value of Competition in Cricket
Players’ rivalries, such as that between Nathan Lyon and Kohli, improve the game and produce memorable moments for spectators to cherish. These on-field conflicts are about legacy, pride, and national glory in addition to the game. More than just a statistic, Lyon sees Kohli’s dismissal as an opportunity to prove themselves against one of the greatest players in history.
In summary
Nathan Lyon selection of Virat Kohli as the person he would most like to dismiss highlights the intense rivalry between Australia and India. Even though Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma are fierce rivals, Kohli is the ultimate aim because of his constant excellence against Australia. Lyon’s admiration for Kohli’s abilities and the challenge he poses demonstrates why this match is still among the most exciting in contemporary cricket.
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