- One of the most anticipated Test match series in Australia concluded with the home team defeating the visiting Team India 3-1. The build-up before the series was humongous and the performances from both sides during the series were top-notch. However, Team India failed to deliver on expected lines simply because of the inconsistency the famed batters exhibited repeatedly. Two of the biggest names in international cricket viz. Most glaringly, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could not provide stability, spark, or matching performances with their bats right through the series. The less said the better about the hitman for failing to rise to the occasion which eventually led him to drop from the playing eleven in the last Test at Sydney.
PC: The Hindu
- Though Virat scored a century in the second innings resulting in Team India winning the first Test, his repeated failures because of the inability to curb poking outside the off stump became symptomatic. It is painful to witness one of the modern greats of the game getting out so cheaply. It’s worthwhile to remember that Team India had won two previous visits to Australia and was expected to repeat the feat. Alas, it was not to be since the Aussies were better prepared and executed plans with great motivation and intent delivering an all-round display of professional cricket. Yes, the scoreline of 3-1 appears one-sided context, but trust me, Team India did offer more than a semblance of resistance/fight but could not punch above the weight consistently.
PC: English Jagran
- The pace ace and stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah was outstanding right through the series returning with handsome rewards in the form of 32 scalps. Little wonder he was declared as the player of the series. Further, it was felt right through the series that Bumrah lacked potent support from the other end that could have had a telling effect on the eventual outcome. Suffice it to say that the bowlers delivered as expected but the batters simply failed to pull their weight. Save for Yashaswi Jaiswal and to a certain extent KL Rahul as well as the find of the series Nitish Kumar Reddy, none of the batters were impactful with their scoreline. Jaiswal showed promise of battling it out with tough opponents. He will be the next big thing in Indian cricket for sure.
PC: The Indian Express
Shubhman Gill disappointed followers with his low returns though he will get enough opportunities to excel in the coming years. KL Rahul did not harm his reputation by dishing out a couple of useful knocks. Rishabh Pant the batter could not live up to expectations by repeatedly throwing away wicket when the need of the hour was to bide time. Sadly, what could have been an exceptional series turned out to be a complete dud, and an honest postmortem will ensue. A few heads are bound to roll, and the BCCI/selectors should be getting into action mode to seek answers for the failure of the Team. Yes, it’s a transition period for Team India, and whatever measures initiated from here on should serve the future purpose. Over to the selectors!
