India’s decade-long dominance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was brought to an abrupt end as Australia secured a six-wicket victory on the third day of the final Test in Sydney.
The hosts chased down a modest target of 162 runs in just 27 overs, dismantling a faltering Indian side plagued by injuries and inconsistent performances.
Jasprit Bumrah, India's stand-in captain and standout performer of the series, was notably absent during Australia's final innings due to a back spasm sustained on the second day.
His absence left the Indian bowling attack rudderless, a stark contrast to the clinical precision of Australia's Scott Boland and Pat Cummins, who had earlier bundled out India for a mere 16 runs in the morning session.
India’s downfall throughout the series stemmed largely from their frail batting line-up. Of the 10 innings played, the team failed to cross the 200-run mark on six occasions.
The solitary bright spots were in Perth (487/6d), Melbourne (369), and Brisbane (260). This lacklustre performance placed undue pressure on the bowlers, with India managing to bat beyond 100 overs in just two innings.
Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled valiantly across the series, became the lone beacon of hope for India, scalping 32 wickets at an astonishing average of 13.06—the best-ever by an Indian bowler in a Test series against Australia.
Despite his heroics, the team’s inconsistent performances left the skipper overburdened, culminating in his injury.
Tactical missteps and faulty team selection?
The Indian team’s strategy throughout the series raised eyebrows, particularly in their team selections. Despite Australia’s pace-friendly conditions, India opted for two spinners in the final two Tests, while frequently shuffling the playing XI in earlier matches.
By contrast, Australia fielded a well-settled side, playing to their strengths with a potent combination of four pacers and a spinner.
Australia’s cohesion stood in sharp contrast to India’s disarray.
The hosts capitalised on green, hard pitches that amplified their fast-bowling prowess, leaving India struggling to adapt.
Also read: Gavaskar warns 200 runs not enough without Bumrah fit
A rivalry rewritten
This marks the first time since the 2014-15 series that India has lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, India had previously established themselves as a dominant force, clinching historic series victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21, including a memorable triumph at the Gabba.
However, the 2024-25 series revived memories of India’s earlier struggles in Australia. Controversies and injuries further compounded the team’s woes, undoing a decade of competitive supremacy in the rivalry.
Despite the series defeat, Jasprit Bumrah’s extraordinary performance has cemented his status as one of India’s finest Test bowlers. His consistent brilliance offered a glimmer of hope amid an otherwise forgettable tour.
Moving forward, India must address glaring issues in their batting line-up, ensure strategic clarity in team selections, and foster better workload management for key players.
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