India’s campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) ended in disarray as Australia triumphed with a six-wicket victory in the fifth Test, winning the series 3-1. The defeat not only dashed India’s hopes of a series comeback but also highlighted glaring issues in batting, bowling, and team management.

Australia’s win secured their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, scheduled at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.

Bumrah’s Absence Proves Costly

A target of 162 runs appeared defendable, but with Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to back spasms, India’s chances dwindled. Bumrah’s absence underscored his importance, as his remarkable 32-wicket haul was instrumental in India’s only series victory.

“Little frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body,” Bumrah said during the post-match presentation, lamenting his inability to bowl in the second innings.

The Indian pace attack, led by Prasidh Krishna (3/65) and Mohammed Siraj (1/69), lacked consistency, making it easier for Australia to chase the target in just 27 overs.

Batting Failures and Over-Reliance on Bumrah

India’s batting collapse was another key factor in the series defeat. The team was bowled out for just 157 in the final Test, with Rishabh Pant (61) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) being the only notable contributors.

Across six completed innings, India failed to cross 200 runs multiple times, exposing a batting lineup heavily reliant on veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who struggled throughout the series.

Young Talents Shine Amid Gloom

Despite the disappointing performance, there were glimpses of hope. Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as India’s leading run-scorer with 391 runs, showcasing resilience and potential. Rookie Nitish Kumar Reddy also made an impression with 298 runs and promising bowling spells.

These young players could play a vital role in India’s transition during the next WTC cycle.

The series loss raises questions about the coaching staff and leadership. Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, India has lost six of their last 10 Tests. His confrontational management style has reportedly created unrest in the dressing room, raising doubts about his suitability to lead a team in transition.

Additionally, abrupt decisions like Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement and Rohit Sharma’s self-exclusion from key matches reflect poor communication and planning.

Bowling Woes Persist

India’s bowling unit also struggled, with Mohammed Siraj’s milestone of 100 wickets in 36 Tests reflecting a lack of consistency. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana showed promise but needed significant domestic exposure to reach international standards.

In the spin department, Ravindra Jadeja’s batting overshadowed his bowling contributions, while Washington Sundar failed to make a significant impact.

India’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy leaves the cricket establishment with critical decisions. Transitioning from stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli while nurturing young talents like Jaiswal and Reddy will be vital.

The management must also address structural issues, ensure better player development, and consider changes in leadership roles to revive India’s fortunes in Test cricket.

With the next WTC cycle on the horizon, India faces the challenge of rebuilding a team capable of competing at the highest level, both at home and abroad.