Following a decade of Indian supremacy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia has successfully reclaimed the trophy with a 3-1 series victory concluded at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The series proved to be a fluctuating experience for an Indian team undergoing transition, offering numerous lessons and reflections based on their performances. Below are five significant insights.

Bumrah best in the world, but the workload is potentially unsustainable

Jasprit Bumrah consistently delivered exceptional performances throughout the series, achieving a remarkable total of 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. His skill in maintaining India's competitiveness in matches often made it seem like a solo effort, leaving spectators thoroughly impressed by the calibre and effectiveness of his bowling. However, his physical condition took a toll, as back spasms hindered his performance in Sydney. Prioritizing Bumrah's health and longevity is crucial for India in all formats of the game.

India must use pace resources better

The absence of Mohammed Shami was felt by the team, and the decision to rely on three primary seamers proved to be a disadvantage for India, as they often appeared to lack one fast bowler. While Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana each showcased their abilities at various points, India may have erred by not utilizing two of them concurrently. Additionally, there were inquiries about the rationale behind sending Mukesh Kumar home from the squad, especially in light of Scott Boland's outstanding performances as a comparable bowler.

The future for Rohit and Virat

The tour proved to be disappointing for two of India's prominent players of this era. Together, they managed a modest total of 221 runs across 14 innings, with Virat Kohli's century in Perth being the sole noteworthy performance. Rohit Sharma did not participate in the final Test, and although he has dismissed suggestions of this being a long-term situation, Indian fans are left contemplating their future roles when Test cricket resumes for India.

KL-Jaiswal India’s long-term openers?

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased their batting prowess in distinct manners while opening the innings, particularly in light of the consistently challenging conditions encountered in Australia. Although both players had relatively subdued performances, they nonetheless demonstrated the potential benefits of their partnership at the top of the order. This combination may well represent India's strategy for the future, especially in overseas environments.

An inauspicious start for Gautam Gambhir's Test stint

Gautam Gambhir's challenging tenure as the head of the Test team persists. Following a victory against Bangladesh, Gambhir has witnessed India suffer defeats in six out of their subsequent eight Test matches, securing only one win. Given the pre-existing concerns regarding his experience being primarily in T20 formats, this situation is likely to intensify the scrutiny he faces. The question now arises: should India continue with his leadership or consider alternative options ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle?

Read Also: Usman Khawaja Calls Bumrah the Toughest Bowler He's Faced

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