An out-of-sorts Indian cricket team bowed out of the World Test Championship final as Australia secured a commanding six-wicket victory in the fifth and final Test on Sunday. The win not only allowed Australia to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade but also raised serious questions about India’s current form and prospects during a challenging transitional phase.
Australia clinched the five-match series 3-1 and earned a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, scheduled from June 11 to 15.
Chasing a modest target of 162, Australia faced little resistance from an Indian side missing their new Test captain Jasprit Bumrah, who was sidelined with painful back spasms. Without Bumrah’s fiery spells, defending the total seemed improbable from the outset, especially with Virat Kohli leading the team onto the field under clear Sydney skies.
Bumrah, named Player of the Series for his remarkable 32 wickets across five matches, was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing Indian campaign. Despite his stellar performance, India’s overall lackluster display overshadowed individual brilliance.
India’s bowling, led by Prasidh Krishna (3/65 in 12 overs) and Mohammed Siraj (1/69 in 12 overs), lacked the incisiveness Bumrah brings to the attack. While the duo managed occasional breakthroughs, they bowled too many wayward deliveries, allowing the Australian batters to comfortably reach their target in just 27 overs. Contributions from Usman Khawaja (41), Travis Head (34*), and debutant Beau Webster (39*) sealed the win for the hosts.
Bumrah’s absence from the morning warm-up session due to discomfort all but confirmed India’s fate. Scott Boland (6/45) and Pat Cummins (3/44) exploited India’s frailties, bundling them out for a mere 157 in 39.5 overs. Rishabh Pant’s fighting 61 and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 22 provided the only resistance, with the remaining nine players mustering just 74 runs collectively.
A Series to Forget
India’s struggles with the bat were glaring throughout the series, with six of their completed innings yielding totals below 200. This exposed glaring technical issues among senior players like regular captain Rohit Sharma and former skipper Virat Kohli. Both veterans faced persistent struggles, raising questions about their ability to anchor the team in challenging situations.
Among the batters, Jaiswal emerged as the highest run-scorer with 391 runs, despite recording three ducks. He was followed by rookie Nitish Kumar Reddy (298 runs), KL Rahul (276 runs), and Rishabh Pant (255 runs).
While Jaiswal’s performances showcased his potential as India’s next batting superstar, Kohli and Rohit’s continued slump left the Indian cricket establishment with tough decisions. Both senior players are under scrutiny as the team prepares for the next World Test Championship cycle.
Coaching Conundrum
The focus isn’t solely on the players. Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s tenure has come under the microscope, with India losing six of their last 10 Tests, alongside an ODI series defeat in Sri Lanka. Known for his assertive approach, Gambhir’s methods have reportedly ruffled feathers in the dressing room.
Notable controversies, such as Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement after Brisbane and Rohit’s decision to drop himself, have highlighted a lack of cohesion within the team. Critics argue that Gambhir’s strategies, including meddling with individual players’ game plans, have disrupted their natural rhythms.
Pant, for instance, alternated between cautious and aggressive approaches under Gambhir’s guidance, impacting his consistency. The BCCI will need to evaluate whether Gambhir remains the right choice to lead the team through this period of transition.
Bowling Concerns
India’s bowling department, particularly the pace attack, is another pressing issue. Bumrah’s absence in the final match underscored the team’s over-reliance on him. Mohammed Siraj’s record of 100 wickets in 36 matches reflects a lack of consistent effectiveness, while Akash Deep and Harshit Rana require significant domestic experience to reach Test-level competency.
Spin bowling, too, is a concern. Ravindra Jadeja, now more dependable with the bat than the ball, struggles to be impactful unless the pitch is spin-friendly. Washington Sundar has shown promise but remains a batting all-rounder rather than a frontline spinner.
Silver Linings
Amid the gloom, Jaiswal’s emergence and Reddy’s raw talent offer hope for India’s future. If Reddy’s bowling develops further, he could bolster India’s options for home Tests by enabling a three-spinner strategy on balanced tracks.
A Tough Road Ahead
India’s disastrous tour has exposed a litany of issues, from over-dependence on Bumrah and an aging batting lineup to questions about team management and coaching. Addressing these challenges will be crucial as the team prepares for the next phase in its cricketing journey.
