India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With a remarkable tally of 21 wickets across three Test matches, Bumrah has established himself as the leading Indian wicket-taker in a Test series in Australia. Notably, he also holds the record for the most wickets in this series, outpacing Australia's Mitchell Starc by seven wickets.

Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India who oversaw Bumrah's Test debut in 2018, has praised the bowler, asserting that Bumrah has "single-handedly" kept India competitive in the series. During India's commanding 295-run victory in the first Test in Perth, Bumrah served as the stand-in captain and achieved a five-wicket haul.

Although India suffered a 10-wicket loss in the second Test, Bumrah's performance with the pink ball was commendable, as he secured four wickets in the first innings. In Brisbane, he once again led the bowling unit, claiming another five-wicket haul and finishing with six wickets in the first innings. Furthermore, Bumrah contributed significantly to India avoiding the follow-on by remaining not out on 10 runs off 38 balls and adding 43 runs for the last wicket.

Shastri remarked to ICC, "They've been kept in this series single-handedly by Jasprit Bumrah." He also urged the senior players, likely referring to Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, to elevate their batting performance in the upcoming two Tests. Both players have struggled in the previous matches, with Rohit failing to score in double figures in two of his three innings.

"If the senior players awaken and rise to the occasion, which I have a strong feeling they will, then Australia will face a significant challenge," Shastri stated.

"Yes, they escaped a difficult situation, but they are not in a secure position. They are free to operate in Melbourne, and they can come out and challenge Australia on Boxing Day."

India without Ashwin

After the Brisbane Test, the Indian cricket community was taken aback by Ravichandran Ashwin's announcement of his international retirement. He returned to India the day after this announcement, as the team headed to Melbourne without their experienced bowler.

Ashwin participated in the Adelaide Test but was substituted by Ravindra Jadeja for the third Test at the Gabba. In addition to Jadeja, Washington Sundar is also included as a primary spinner in the Indian team.

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