It doesn’t read too flattering, TOI’s Report Card following India’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. Apart from topper Jasprit Bumrah and new boy, Jaiswal, the rest disappointed, were poor in application and betrayed. A lack of depth that led to an embarrassing 3-1 verdict in Australia’s favour. Hindol Basu gives out the grades, return it signed at your own risk.
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Jasprit Bumrah
Rating | 10/10
If he could have been rated more than 10, Bumrah would deserve it for his superlative, superhuman performance. Pivotal in keeping India competitive in the series, he was the standout performer, a show which earned him the Player of the Series award.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Rating | 8/10
On his first tour to Australia, Jaiswal emerged as India’s highest run-scorer with 391 runs at an average of 43.44, including a century and two halfcenturies. His aggressive yet calculated knock of 161 in the Perth Test helped India start the series on a victorious note. In Melbourne too, his twin 80s raised India’s hopes for a draw, but it wasn’t to be.
KL Rahul
Rating | 6/10
Rahul had a mixed series, reflecting both promise and inconsistency. He scored 276 runs at an average of 30.66, including two half-centuries: 84 in Brisbane and 77 in Perth. His 201-run opening partnership with Jaiswal in Perth was the highlight, but inconsistency plagued him in the subsequent matches.
Virat Kohli
Rating | 4/10
Kohli’s form was below par – he managed only 190 runs at an average of 23.75. Despite a century in Perth, his on-field frustrations were evident throughout the series. Kohli’s struggles were characterized by a recurring weakness: being dismissed 8 times out of 9 to deliveries outside off stump, leading to easy catches in the slip cordon.
Rohit Sharma
Rating | 3/10
Missing the opening Test due to the birth of his child, the Indian captain had the strangest of tours, sitting out of the final Test amid retirement speculation. He struggled, scoring just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20. His form and leadership came under scrutiny. His performance marked the lowest average for any touring captain in a Test series in Australia. As captain too, not only did he lack imagination, Rohit made decisions that lacked clarity.
Rishabh Pant
Rating | 5/10
Pant had an inconsistent series. His aggressive batting was both an asset and a liability, with some reckless shots drawing criticism. Pant struggled to convert promising starts into significant scores throughout the series. His 61 off 33 balls in the Sydney Test was a standout knock, but he couldn’t convert it into a matchwinning one.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Rating | 7/10
In his debut series, Reddy scored 298 runs at an average of 37.25, including a historic century at the MCG. His bowling was less effective, yielding only five wickets. Reddy’s success positioned him as a long-term prospect for the Indian Test team. The series also showed his ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.
Mohammed Siraj
Rating | 7/10
Siraj took 20 wickets, the second highest for India, but was often expensive, averaging over 31. He faced criticism for leaking runs at times, especially his 0-122 in Melbourne which raised alarm. Siraj bowled a total of 157.1 overs, the most by any Indian bowler in the series, over Bumrah’s 151.2. Despite his wickets tally, Siraj’s performance fluctuated throughout the series.
Shubman Gill
Rating | 3/10
Gill’s performance was disappointing, scoring only 93 runs at an average of 18.60. At the No. 3 position, he failed to capitalize on starts. His batting seemed to be confused and lacking in intent.
Ravindra Jadeja
Rating | 4/10
Jadeja’s contribution was below expectations, with 135 runs at an average of 27 and only four wickets in three Tests. His overall performance affected the team’s balance during the tour. While his batting at times provided lower-order resistance, his lack of wicket-taking ability was notable.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Rating | 3/10
Ashwin played only one Test, taking a single wicket before announcing his retirement from international cricket after the third Test in Brisbane. His retirement appeared contentious and sparked discussions about the timing.
Washington Sundar
Rating | 4/10
In three matches, Washington scored 114 runs at an average of 22.80 and took three wickets at an average of 38.66, failing to make a significant impact in either department. While he showcased moments of resilience with the bat, particularly in Melbourne, his overall impact was limited by underutilization as a bowler.
Prasidh Krishna
Rating | 7/10
Playing in the final Test in Sydney, Krishna impressed with six wickets at an average of 17.83, stepping up in Bumrah’s absence and showcasing potential for the future. His performance at the SCG not only demonstrated his potential, but also highlighted lack of clarity in team selection, as what could have been had he been included earlier.
Akash Deep
Rating | 5/10
Akash Deep’s moment under the sun in the BGT came with the bat instead of his bowling. He scored an invaluable 31 in a critical situation during the first innings of the Brisbane Test, the knock helping India avoid a follow-on, and draw the Test. With the ball, he showed promise but failed to get wickets.
Harshit Rana
Rating | 4/10
Rana’s BGT sojourn was a tale of two contrasting outings: an impressive debut in Perth followed by a significant drop in form thereafter. His future prospects will depend on how he addresses his inconsistencies and adapts to the pressures of international cricket.
Devdutt Padikkal
Rating | 3/10
Padikkal played just the first Test in Perth. He was dismissed for a duck in the first innings after facing 23 balls, but in the second essay he stitched together a decent partnership with Jaiswal. He showed promise during the 25-run stay at the crease.
Dhruv Jurel
Rating | 3/10
Jurel showed promise during the ‘A’ series before the BGT, which led to him being picked for the Perth Test. But knocks of 11 & 1 didn’t help his cause and he wasn’t a part of the playing XI in the remaining Tests.
COACH: Gautam Gambhir
Rating | 5/10
Gambhir did his reputation no favour on the tour, his first big test as coach. His team selection, strategies, decisions and dressing room unity all came under intense scrutiny as the team faltered. Critics questioned the effectiveness of the coaching staff, particularly in addressing the team’s batting inconsistencies and tactical nous.
