In just over a week, India could head home without the trophy they’ve fiercely held for about eight years; the series will likely conclude with a 1-3 scoreline in the host’s favour.
At face value, what I’m about to say next might sound ludicrous: Indian fans – you should be proud of your team.
But let’s add some context. India entered this BGT series as a team in transition, fresh off a 3-0 drubbing at home to New Zealand. Ominous signs, indeed.
During this series, India’s XI has featured six players with fewer than 10 Tests: Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, and Dhruv Jurel. Yashasvi Jaiswal misses this list, with a modest 15 games under his belt.
Stronger teams have struggled to win matches in Australia, and stronger Aussie teams have fared worse in India.
For a side so inexperienced that is also carrying two fading stars, a complete whitewash Down Under seemed inevitable.
Before the series began, many writers and bloggers on The Roar suggested the winner would be determined by the batting lineup that faltered less.
That’s a misconception. The reason is in plain sight.
This series has been decided by the bowling attack with the most depth and skill to thrive in Australian conditions. On paper, this was always in Australia’s favour – and the results confirm it.
Despite that, one Indian bowler in particular has numbers that are jaw-dropping:
• Balls: 848
• Runs: 385
• Wickets: 30
• Average: 12.83
• Economy: 2.72
You already know who owns these stats – Jasprit Bumrah.
Against unrelenting pace bowling, Australia has, to be frank, been found wanting.
India, however, lack the luxury of sustained bowling depth and class. The absence of Mohammed Shami has been a critical, yet understated, factor.
Jasprit Bumrah celebrates after taking the wicket of Steve Smith. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
While Shami may not tear through lineups, his consistency and guile would have been the ideal support act to Bumrah’s brilliance.
Time and again, Bumrah has toiled to put Australia under pressure, only for less experienced (Rana, Deep and Reddy) or less skilled bowlers like Mohammed Siraj to let the momentum slip when the star pacer rested.
In contrast, Australia unleashes a highly skilled pace battery: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland. Facing one Bumrah is hard enough; India has faced three every match, every session.
It’s remarkable to think that Starc is the weakest link – a testament to the squad’s fast bowling stock.
As expected, India’s spin arsenal has been neutralised on pitches curated for the local quicks. That’s par for the course when touring Australia.
But there are positives. Jaiswal looks like a genuine star of the future.
Along with Pant, I was most impressed with their performance at the MCG on a fifth-day pitch where they curbed their attacking instincts for a period of time until they both lost their wickets to avoidable shots.
They will be playing a lot more rescue roles in the next couple of years. Reddy’s batting has been phenomenal, especially for a guy who has a 20 First Class average.
But the benefit for India will be if he can develop his bowling craft and transform into a useful all-rounder.
Deep has bowled with a heap of venom and very little luck. For this author, he should be sharing the new ball with Bumrah at the SCG.
India’s next Test series is away to England in 2025 – a challenge as formidable as this one. Fans should brace for a tough transition period as fresh faces adapt to the rigours of international cricket.
Still, it’s worth remembering India’s dominance over the past decade: a stellar win-loss record, two iconic series triumphs in Australia, and unparalleled consistency.
Success in cricket ebbs and flows, but the foundation for success remains.
Indian fans – hold your heads high.
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