‘It Means a Little Bit More’: Khawaja Shares Candid Insights on the Upcoming Border-Gavaskar Series

With Team India's Test cricket schedule set to begin with the Bangladesh series, all eyes are on the ultimate showdown. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is the one red-ball series which is a much-awaited affair. Given the intensity of the competition, India and Australia are aiming for the series as their biggest challenge of the red-ball season. With the anticipation gradually increasing, the Aussie players are looking forward to face the Men in Blue. Opener Usman Khawaja also reflected upon the India-Australia rivalry and how both sides are among the best in the world.

Also Read: 'We will see when we go there': Bangladesh pace sensation warns India after Pakistan triumph

T

During an appearance on Star Sports, Usman Khawaja revealed his anticipation for the Border-Gavaskar series. He reflected upon how their rivalry has been one of the best ones in recent history. Khawaja went on to say that he views Indian fans' desire to defeat Australia as a mark of respect and recognition for how well they have been lately.   

“We're world number one, world number two teams really over the last two years. We were there at the last World Test Championship together. The rivalry has always been huge. I take it as a sign of respect and I know it that Indians love beating Australia in any sort of form of cricket.

"And the tradition that Australia has had over so many years as being one of the dominating teams in world cricket has staked that reputation. I think, yeah, for Indians, it's always been the case to beat Australia,” The Australian Opener said.

Also Read: ‘Never Coming Back’: AFG Distraught as Subpar Conditions Mar Day 1 Play at Greater Noida Ground

Usman Khawaja went on to add that the Australian fans share a similar desire to defeat India due to the Men in Blue ascent to prominence in world cricket and their growing consistency in all three formats.

"More recently, since the rise of India and IPL and everything else that happened, it's the same way with Australia against India. And particularly since India's beaten Australia in Australia the last two times they've come out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It just means a little bit more," Khawaja added.