As Team India gears up to face Australia in the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to begin in Perth, fans and analysts are dissecting players’ records against Australia. Among these stats, one name stands out in an unexpected way: Axar Patel. Though primarily known for his all-round skills and bowling, Axar holds the highest batting average against Australia among current Indian players, yet he won’t be part of the Test squad this time around.
Axar Patel’s Stellar Batting Average Against Australia
In just four Test matches against Australia, Axar Patel has scored 264 runs at an impressive average of 88.00. Although Axar has typically contributed to India’s success as a left-arm spinner, his performance with the bat in Tests has surprised many. For an all-rounder, maintaining such a high average speaks volumes about his skill and composure against one of the world’s toughest teams. This achievement places Axar at the top among Indian batsmen for batting average against Australia.
Despite his success, Axar Patel won’t be traveling with the team for this series, as the selectors decided not to include him in the squad. His absence is surprising to fans who hoped to see him add depth to the lineup, especially after his contributions in previous series.
Ravi Shastri, Rishabh Pant, and Sandeep Patil in the Top Averages List
Ravi Shastri, former player and head coach, holds the second-highest average against Australia for an Indian batsman, with 622 runs across nine matches at an average of 77.75. Though Shastri is well-known for his role as a commentator and coach, his on-field stats against Australia reveal his reliability as a batsman during his playing days.
Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive style, also ranks highly with an average of 62.40 in Tests against Australia. His fearless approach and big shots have made him one of the most exciting players to watch, especially on Australian pitches, where he has accumulated 624 runs so far.
Meanwhile, Sandeep Patil’s 62.20 average is a reminder of the dynamic cricket he brought to the field in his era. Although his international career wasn’t as long as some others, his ability to perform against strong opposition like Australia remains memorable.
Legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli Lead on Total Runs
In terms of sheer volume, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar remains unmatched. With 3,630 runs scored in 39 matches against Australia at an average of 55.00, he’s India’s top scorer against the Aussies and has set a benchmark that generations of players aspire to reach. Tendulkar’s consistency over years of high-stakes cricket has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest against Australia.
Virat Kohli, currently India’s second-highest scorer in Australia after Tendulkar, is also in the spotlight. Kohli has racked up 1,352 runs across multiple tours in Australia at an average of 54.08, with his performances in tough conditions earning him respect from fans and critics alike. While his overall average against Australia is slightly lower, his ability to adapt to Australian pitches makes him a critical player in this year’s series.
Rishabh Pant and Other Key Players for the Australia Series
When it comes to high averages on Australian soil, Pant once again proves his worth. With an average of 62.40 in Australia, Pant’s aggressive batting style and fearless approach have made him a key player for India. With 624 runs to his name in Australia, he’s expected to play an important role in the upcoming series, especially if he can replicate past performances.
Another player worth mentioning is Mohinder Amarnath, who averaged 55.66 in Australia. Known for his resilience and technique, Amarnath excelled in challenging conditions and is remembered as one of India’s best during his time. His 668 runs in Australia reflect his skill at handling pace and bounce, traits that could be beneficial to the current lineup as well.
Kohli’s Resilience in Australia Keeps Him in Focus
Kohli’s experience and past success on Australian pitches have made him a crucial component of India’s Test side. His average of 54.08 in Australia puts him just below Tendulkar and Amarnath, but his match-winning capabilities and leadership have helped shape India’s success Down Under. Fans are hopeful that Kohli, who is approaching another key series, will once again prove himself in Australia.
With Kohli and the rest of the squad preparing to take on Australia, Indian fans are eagerly awaiting to see if this year will mark a new chapter in their rivalry. While India has found success on Australian soil in recent years, it’s clear that both the team and fans expect more memorable partnerships and big scores, especially with experienced players like Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rishabh Pant in the mix. The absence of Axar Patel is a surprise, but Team India’s strength lies in its depth and versatility—qualities they’ll look to showcase in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy this season.
