'They are playing mind games' - Basit Ali reflects on Pat Cummins naming Rishabh Pant as danger in BGT

The excitement for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is building and the statements have started to flow in from every corner. The five-match series between India and Australia is scheduled to commence in November and the Australia skipper has chosen Rishabh Pant as the potential danger man. While Cummins discarded the star India trio, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah in his option, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali felt otherwise.

Virat Kohli possesses an enviable record in down under playing against Australia in Tests. The star batter even led India to BGT in 2019. Moreover, Bumrah is in his prime form and is looking at his lethal best. Basit opined that Cummins disregarding the trio of Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah is nothing but a mind game and also added that the trio along with Mohammed Shami is dominating their clocks while at the drawing board. 

Also Read: Cummins wants to keep Pant in check during BGT 2024-25

"They are playing mind games. Australia will be scared of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Pant has scored runs recently. They are playing mind games. They are trying to target Pant. This is their mindset. They are showing something else and are thinking about other things," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

I request Ashwin to reply back: Basit Ali  

Speaking of mind games, star Australia spinner, Nathan Lyon made a bold statement and asserted that Australia will defeat India by 5-0. Basit added that the statement does not fit the bill for a cricketer. Moreover, Basit urged Lyon’s Indian counterpart Ravichandran Ashwin to give a fitting reply.

Also Read: Lyon reflects on bowling to Rishabh Pant ahead of BGT 2024-25

"I will only say one thing about Nathan Lyon's stupid statement that Australia will defeat India by six Tests, but only by words. In the past two series, India have dominated Australia. Such comments don't suit cricketers. Ricky Ponting or former cricketers can make such statements. I request Ashwin to reply back and say that India will defeat Australia by 5- 0," Basit said last week.