The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Test series between Australia and India is set to kick off on Friday in Perth. With both teams known for their fierce rivalry, the stakes are high, especially for India’s senior players. After a recent disappointing loss to New Zealand, questions are swirling around the future of some of India’s veteran cricket stars.
In this series, much of the focus will be on seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, who have been pivotal to India's success across formats over the last decade. However, as these players age and their recent performances fall short of expectations, fans and analysts alike are curious to see if they can still deliver at the highest level, especially in Test cricket—a format where consistency and resilience are key.
Kohli’s Love Affair with Australian Grounds
Virat Kohli has always thrived on Australian soil. His journey with Australia began in 2011, when he scored his first Test century in Adelaide. His stellar performance in the 2014-15 series cemented his place as one of the world’s top batsmen. Known for his aggressive playing style, Kohli’s approach has often mirrored that of the Australian players, earning him respect and a dedicated fan base in Australia.
Kohli’s leadership was also instrumental in India’s historic Test series win in Australia, breaking a 70-year drought. Despite his affinity for Australian pitches and his past achievements, Kohli has struggled to maintain his form in recent years, leaving many to wonder if he can reclaim his former brilliance in this series.
Rohit took up the role of Test opener in 2019
Rohit Sharma, the current Indian Test captain, entered the Test arena relatively late compared to his contemporaries. While his achievements in Test cricket may not match those of Kohli, Sharma has demonstrated his skill and resilience. After scoring centuries in his first two Test matches, he faced several setbacks but found his stride again when he took up the role of Test opener in 2019. From that point, he became a crucial batsman for the team over the next three years.
Primarily known for his explosive batting in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Rohit has the ability to adjust his game as per the needs of the team. His recent form in Test matches, however, has been inconsistent, particularly against teams like Bangladesh and New Zealand. Neither Rohit nor Kohli has managed to score 200 runs in their last ten Test innings, leading to concerns about whether they have crossed their prime in the Test format.
Ashwin and Jadeja: The Spin Duo Under Scrutiny
R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have long been India's dependable spinners, especially in challenging overseas conditions. Jadeja recently crossed the 300-wicket mark in Tests, while Ashwin boasts impressive statistics in Australia, having taken 39 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 42.15.
Jadeja has played only four Tests in Australia but has an impressive average of 21.78 with 14 wickets. Despite their experience, recent performances have left fans questioning if they can continue to lead India’s bowling attack effectively.
Ashwin is known for his versatile bowling, often outsmarting batsmen with a variety of deliveries. In the 2021 Test series, he troubled Australian stars like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne with his skillful bowling. Jadeja, in contrast, is more controlled and economical, making him especially dangerous on slower pitches. Both Ashwin and Jadeja are also valuable with the bat, as seen in the 2021 series when Ashwin's batting contributions helped India to a memorable victory. Additionally, Jadeja’s fielding prowess consistently saves vital runs for the team.
However, their recent form in the Test series against New Zealand has raised concerns. Ashwin’s strike rate rose to 66.33, higher than his career average, and Jadeja, though more consistent, also saw a dip in his performance. New Zealand’s spinners outshone them, which has led many to wonder if Ashwin and Jadeja, like Rohit and Kohli, might also be past their peak.
The Road Ahead for India's Veterans
As these seasoned players approach the latter stages of their careers, the current series in Australia could be pivotal, both for the Indian team and for their individual futures. A strong performance in this series would reaffirm their standing and extend their playing days, showcasing their ability to contribute to the team’s success despite their advancing age. This would also allow them to fend off competition from the younger, talented players eager for an opportunity to make their mark on the Indian Test team.
On the other hand, if these veteran players fail to perform in Australia, it could add fuel to the calls for a team overhaul. Younger players are waiting in the wings, and a lackluster series from the senior players might accelerate a shift toward a new generation of Indian cricketers.
For now, all eyes are on Perth as the series begins, with fans hoping these experienced stars can rise to the occasion once again, proving that they still have the skill, stamina, and determination to lead India to victory on Australian soil.
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