If Virat Kohli can rediscover his hungry 25-year-old self who marked his arrival in Perth in 2012, nothing can stop him.

India vs Australia has dwarfed the Ashes en route to becoming the biggest cricketing spectacle.

The season opener is between double champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town at St George's Park in Gqeberha on 9 January. The opening game will return to St George's Park for a second year running, and De Villiers, who has fond memories of the oldest international ground in the country, certainly feels there could be no better place to kick off the biggest party in South African cricket. "St George's Park has the best atmosphere of all the grounds I feel. Certainly, during my playing days over there, they got right behind me," De Villiers told the official SA20 site. "There is nothing better than playing at St George's Park. With the band there, there is always music in the background. It's almost like you have earpods in your ears. Dancing to some tunes while you're playing cricket." The home side, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, have been the standout Betway SA20 team over the past two seasons, winning back-to-back titles under the guidance of their dynamic leadership duo of coach Adrian Birrell and captain Aiden Markram. De Villiers, having played under Birrell for many years with the Proteas' Men's team, feels their edge over the opposition is due to their tremendous team ethic and culture created by the Eastern Cape farmer. "The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been incredibly successful in SA20 - both seasons champions. It is an incredible achievement from them. They will try their absolute best to go three in a row," De Villiers said. "I feel their strength lies in their ability to play as a team. It is something Adrian Birrell has achieved over there in the setup, their ability to hunt as a pack. "Captain Aiden Markram is calm and composed. You also feel that anyone can chip in at any time. "Adi Birrell is a true legend. He brings a lot of calmness and composure. He is a down to earth farmer from the Eastern Cape, an absolute legend over there. "His humility is what stands out. He never talks down to anyone. He always sees the basics of the game as the most important thing." De Villiers, though, is expecting a crackerjack opening game due to MI Cape Town having bolstered their already power-packed squad with England Test captain and double white-ball World Cup winner Ben Stokes for Season 3. "MI Cape Town is a star-studded team. They have been for the past two seasons, and now with the addition of Ben Stokes, makes that side even better," De Villiers said. "But it also shows that the best teams don't always win championships. I do, however, expect a better performance, looking at that line-up on paper, it's just pure power." De Villiers, who was part of the Betway SA20 commentary team the past two seasons, also expects another bumper summer of action-packed cricket and incredible entertainment. "We are 50 days out of Betway SA20 Season 3," he said. "We all know there was big hype and excitement in the first two seasons. That's what I am looking forward to the most: big crowds, everyone coming in to support Betway SA20 Season 3. "That's what I am most looking forward to. I am urging everyone to come in and have a lot of fun with us."

Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori will be flying off to Jeddah for the IPL auction during the first Test as head coach of the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

After securing the ICC World Test Championship, ICC Cricket World Cup in India and several memorable series wins as a captain, Cummins will have another gigantic task in hand as he would be aiming to end Aussies' 10-year series drought against India and prevent a hat-trick of losses to visitors at home. On the other hand, India seeks to bounce back after a rare, but humiliating home setback against New Zealand, losing 0-3 in a whitewash.

CRICKET-TEST-AUS-IND/ (PIX, TV):Cricket-Australia skipper Cummins eyes elusive series win against India

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy commences Friday in Perth, with both India and Australia aiming for a crucial series win to bolster their World Test Championship final hopes. Unseasonal rain could impact the traditionally fast and bouncy Perth pitch, potentially offering variable bounce and aiding swing bowlers.

Mohammed Shami has registered for a base price of Rs 2 crore for the IPL 2025 auction.

Jaiswal is one of only two players to score more than 1,000 Test runs in 2024 so far.

If Virat Kohli can rediscover his hungry 25-year-old self who marked his arrival in Perth in 2012, nothing can stop him.

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal credits Virat Kohli's guidance for his growing discipline and work ethic. Inspired by Kohli's consistency, Jaiswal emphasizes the importance of routine and process for a long career. As he prepares for his first Australian tour and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jaiswal expresses excitement despite the challenging conditions.

Jasprit Bumrah is set to captain India in the first Test against Australia in Perth, starting Friday. Bumrah expressed confidence in the team's preparation and backed Virat Kohli to overcome his recent form slump. He acknowledged the lessons learned from the New Zealand series but emphasized the team's focus on the unique challenges of the upcoming series.

As India kickstarts the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy tomorrow at Perth's Optus Stadium, the 22-year-old gears up for his biggest assignment till yet. After dominating the home conditions and a disappointing performance in South Africa, his first overseas tour last year, the left-hander will be aiming to make amends and have a breakout Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as it has been the case with many youngsters in the past.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia commences on Friday, with both teams vying for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final. The series showcases a blend of seasoned players and rising stars, including India's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Australia's debutant Nathan McSweeney, promising an exciting contest for cricket fans.