Well, the series is done and dusted. Literally. India have emerged victorious with a 2-1 result. At the beginning of the series, if someone had informed Rohit that India will win the series with that margin, he would have happily taken it because such was the state of Indian cricket at that point. Rahul, Pujara & Kohli suspect form for way too long, Rohit and Jadeja having not played red-ball cricket for close to a year, Rishabh Pant’s unavailability, naturally India were on the defensive right at the beginning. At the end of the series, India would have loved a bigger margin rather than what they managed ultimately. The takeway for India after the series

It is just incredible to think that India have not lost a series to Australia since 2014. It includes 2 consecutive series wins in Australia. This is an extraordinary achievement. No other team can boast of such a record against Australia throughout the history of the game and certainly not in this millennium. Having said that, has this rivalry become the preeminent in the world? I suppose Australian supporters will not be swayed because for them, the Ashes occupies a much heralded position than any series.

Anyway, speaking about India, what were the real gains and the real loses throughout the series?

Let me begin with the gains

Undoubtedly, Virat Kohli’s mammoth innings in the final test at Ahmedabad. It was a much needed hundred from him after a barren streak of close to 4 years. He is too good a player to have missed out for so long. Ofcourse, there is no doubt that the pitch helped him immensely. It was the flattest pitch in many years in this country. Having said that, runs will still have to be scored and with Kohli’s hundred, an entire nation heaved a sigh of relief. However, it was surprising that he did not press on for a double. Perhaps, he was too tired having run his runs as well as the runs of his partners. Eventually, it was revealed that he had a high fever. Probably he had enough at the end.

Whether Kohli has regained his scoring spree of old remains to be seen. The next Test is the WTC final at The Oval in England where except for one stellar series in 2018, he does not really have fond memories of the country.

Shubman Gill has probably arrived

Shubman Gill has once again shown how good he is with the bat. With hundreds across all the formats, he is surely a player for the present and the future. However, his lack of runs at Indore on a raging turner will once again raise questions about the lack of consistency. On such pitches, he will want to tighten his defense. The one good thing about his batting is that he does not get bogged down. He is always on the lookout for runs. Onething is certain. In Gill, India has found a solid opener who can be at ease in all the formats though I personally will not consider him for T20s.

Though Rohit Sharma tapered off during the series, his first innings hundred paved the way for India to dominate the first and second tests. He had hardly played red-ball cricket prior to the series but showed good composure.

The major disappointment

It is none other than Axar Patel. It might be surprising to read his name but it is a fact that has been overlooked. Axar’s performance with the bat was exceptional. The innings at Delhi not only ensured that India retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy but it also ensured that we will not lose the series. There is not an iota of doubt about his batting but was it his primary skill? No, it is not. He is a bowler who can contribute useful runs lower down the order. It is on this front that he failed to make the series count.

A total of 3 wickets in 4 Tests on spin friendly surfaces just does not wash. Probably, if he had picked up wickets, he may not have been required to contribute substantially with the bat to justify his position. Axar will have to remember that it is only on Indian pitches where he will get opportunities to play. The moment the team leaves India, his chances will evaporate. Jadeja and Ashwin are ahead of him in the pecking order outside of India.

Pujara

He is another major disappointment. Time and again, he goes into the shell and refuses to come out. He is an experienced campaigner and for him to end of short on multiple occasions, it probably is time to look elsewhere.

Other noteworthy contributions

Ashwin and Jadeja were in their elements under favourable and known conditions. They also contributed with the bat quite handsomely. Ashwin reserved his best for the last. On a placid pitch, to pick up 6 wickets for less than 100 runs is extremely good by any standard. The surprise packet was however, Mohammed Shami. He was undoubtedly, the best fast bowler on either side. Shami really put in his all, keeping tight channels with the new ball, and was difficult to get away with when the old ball was reversing. The cartwheeling stumps are a delight for any fast bowler to watch.

Jadeja and no-ball

It must be mentioned that Jadeja’s repeated no-balls may have actually cost India the Indore Test. It is a crime for any bowler to bowl a no-ball because the popping crease is big enough for any bowler to land his feet just inside the line, whereas Jadeja, is always so close to the front line that if almost any ball can be a no-ball. He needs to correct this abomination quickly lest he contribute towards further losses. Just imagine a scenario where he takes the last Australian wicket in the WTC finals with Australia requiring one run to win and that wicket actually turns to a no-ball.

Wrapping up the takeway for India after the series

This was a good result for the team but they will be severely tested in June.

Other related blogs can be read here, here, here, here, here and here