The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be remembered as a series where India’s red-ball dominance faltered after a decade-long reign. What started as a promising tour with an emphatic 295-run win in Perth spiraled into chaos as the hosts rallied back to claim a 3-1 series victory. While individual performances ranged from spectacular to dismal, the overall campaign exposed glaring issues in India’s preparation, execution, and adaptability. Let’s dissect the series with a critical lens. You can bet on cricket matches here

Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Lost His Way
Rating: 1/10Rohit Sharma’s leadership and batting both hit rock bottom in this series. Scoring a meager 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20, the Indian skipper’s repeated dismissals to Pat Cummins highlighted technical and mental frailties. His decision to sit out the final match in Sydney, claiming autonomy over his participation, further raised eyebrows. While he did take some sharp catches in the slip cordon, his inability to inspire the team or contribute significantly with the bat made him a liability. The once-reliable opener now seems adrift in the red-ball format.

Jasprit Bumrah: A Lone Warrior
Rating: 9/10If there was a silver lining in India’s bleak performance, it was Jasprit Bumrah. With 32 wickets at an astonishing average of 13, Bumrah single-handedly kept India in contention. Whether dismantling Australia’s top order or leading the team in Sharma’s absence, Bumrah was relentless. His efforts earned him the ‘Player of the Series’ award, but an untimely injury in the final Test denied India a fighting chance to draw the series. Bumrah’s brilliance underscores the growing over-reliance on his skills, a dangerous precedent for India’s future campaigns.

Virat Kohli: A Shadow of His Former Self
Rating: 2/10The former captain’s dismal run with the bat mirrored his forgettable 2014 England tour. Scoring 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75, Kohli’s series included a solitary century in Perth. However, his repeated dismissals due to technical flaws and his visible frustration on the field painted a picture of decline. Kohli’s inability to adapt to the conditions and his diminishing influence in the middle order signal troubling times for the veteran batter.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Beacon of Hope
Rating: 7/10The young southpaw was India’s brightest batting prospect, scoring 391 runs at an average of 43.44. His 161 in Perth was a masterclass in counterattacking cricket, and he followed it up with crucial contributions in Melbourne. However, Jaiswal’s tendency to get out after settling in denied India the big innings they desperately needed. Despite this, his fearless approach against Australia’s fiery attack promises a bright future for Indian cricket.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Beacon of Hope
Rating: 7/10The young southpaw was India’s brightest batting prospect, scoring 391 runs at an average of 43.44. His 161 in Perth was a masterclass in counterattacking cricket, and he followed it up with crucial contributions in Melbourne. However, Jaiswal’s tendency to get out after settling in denied India the big innings they desperately needed. Despite this, his fearless approach against Australia’s fiery attack promises a bright future for Indian cricket.

KL Rahul: A Mixed Bag
Rating: 5/10KL Rahul’s 276 runs at an average of 30.66 included moments of brilliance, such as his double-century partnership with Jaiswal in Perth. However, his tendency to falter after getting starts and a lack of consistency held him back. While his slip fielding was commendable, Rahul’s inability to anchor innings consistently leaves questions about his role in the team.

Rishabh Pant: The Maverick’s Struggle
Rating: 6/10Pant’s 255 runs at an average of 28.33 showcased glimpses of his potential but also his recklessness. His fighting 61 in Sydney was overshadowed by irresponsible shot selection in Melbourne, drawing sharp criticism from experts. Behind the stumps, Pant’s keeping was solid, punctuated by spectacular catches. However, his inability to balance aggression with responsibility remains a concern.

Nitish Kumar Reddy: A Star in the Making
Rating: 7/10On debut, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 298 runs at an average of 37.25, including a century at the MCG, marked him as a potential long-term asset. While his bowling yielded only five wickets, Reddy’s composure under pressure was a standout feature. India’s management would do well to nurture this promising all-rounder.

Mohammed Siraj: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
Rating: 3/10Despite taking 20 wickets, Siraj’s inconsistency and tendency to leak runs at critical junctures overshadowed his efforts. His 0-122 in Melbourne epitomized his struggles. As the senior bowler after Bumrah, Siraj failed to lead the attack effectively.

Shubman Gill: The Next Big Disappointment?
Rating: 1/10Touted as India’s next batting superstar, Gill’s 93 runs in three matches were a major letdown. His inability to convert starts and his technical vulnerabilities at No.3 exposed him against Australia’s pacers. Gill needs significant introspection to reclaim his potential.

Ravindra Jadeja: A Shadow of His Best
Rating: 1/10Jadeja’s 135 runs and four wickets across three matches were far below expectations. The experienced all-rounder’s lack of impact with both bat and ball added to India’s woes. Jadeja’s decline in effectiveness raises questions about his place in the XI.

India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 campaign was marked by poor planning, lacklustre execution, and individual brilliance overshadowed by collective failure. While Australia’s fightback was commendable, India’s inability to capitalize on their early momentum speaks volumes about their shortcomings. The team’s over-reliance on Bumrah, combined with the lack of contributions from senior players, paints a grim picture. As the dust settles, the Indian camp must reflect and rebuild to reclaim their lost dominance.