Ricky Ponting predicts a 3-1 series win for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, despite India's recent dominance. He believes Rohit Sharma's absence in the first Test and subsequent return could disrupt India's campaign.

Ricky Ponting's audacious statement, on the eve of the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth, had shades of Sunil Gavaskar's viral remark.

Rohit is on a paternity break and will miss the series-opener. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is captaining the Indian team in his absence.

While most experts would argue that Rohit Sharma's return would strengthen the squad, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes it could “disrupt” the Indian camp.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, while addressing the media in Mumbai on Monday, ahead of the team's departure to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, slammed former Australia captain Ricky Ponting for his comments on India stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

PERTH: Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has predicted a 3-1 series victory for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, warning that Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s return in the second Test at Adelaide could be a "potential disruption" for the visitors.