Here's why Matthew Hayden doesn’t see India as favorites for upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has weighed in on the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, revealing his reluctance to name India as the favorites for the series due to the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara.

In an interview with PTI, Hayden emphasized Pujara’s significant role in India's recent successes in Australia. He noted that while both teams boast formidable lineups, the absence of Pujara—a player he deemed a “sure bet” in Australian conditions—could tilt the balance.

"You look at the lineups, and it's hard to tell who has the edge. I sense that it's going to be runs that are going to be the point of difference. Guys that are sure bets have retired like (Cheteshwar) Pujara was a sure bet in Australian conditions," Hayden said.

"Was he exciting? No. Was he effective? Heck, yes. When you look back over the years, guys like Raul Dravid, and VVS Laxman... were sure bets in our market. The best need to stand up in this series, runs are going to be at a premium," he added.

Pujara's impact on India's recent Test successes in Australia has been profound. He was instrumental in India's historic 2018/19 series win, earning Player of the Series honors with 521 runs at an average of 74.42. His performances were critical in securing back-to-back series victories for India on Australian soil.

It is worth noting that India and Australia are set to face off in the eagerly awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a five-Test match series scheduled to take place in Australia from November 22, 2024, to January 3, 2025.

India has dominated recent encounters, including winning two consecutive series in Australia and maintaining strong performances at home.