Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Analysing the talking points as India scripts historic win

Team India scripted a phenomenal and historic win, as it successfully retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Down Under. It thus became the first Asian side to win back-to-back Test series in Australia, as the competition produced some notable moments.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Analysing the talking points as India scripts historic win-ayh
Author
Kolkata, First Published Jan 21, 2021, 2:03 PM IST

Team India could not have asked for a clinical finish than what it just did in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, as the visitor tamed the Aussies in the four-Test series to retain the title. While it became the first Asian side to win consecutive Test series, Down Under, what was striking is how India bounced back to do so. On the same note, we analyse the talking points from the series.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Analysing the talking points as India scripts historic win-ayh

Shubman Gill- A legend in the making: India had a shortage of promising openers in Test cricket for the past few years, ever since the grand Virender Sehwag bid farewell to the sport. While Rohit Sharma is getting into the groove, the just-concluded series showed a glimpse of a legend in the making. Young opener Shubman Gill was a prime example of consistency and the ability to quickly adapt to a situation. Frankly speaking, no one had ever expected Gill to come up such a prolific performance, especially with such correspondence. The fact that he did so in the harsh Aussie conditions proves that he would be even deadly in the coming matches, especially at home. Be it short balls, or swing ones, he can certainly play it all.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Analysing the talking points as India scripts historic win-ayh

David Warner gets a reality check: Blame it on his improper fitness or struggle against seamers, it has undoubtedly proved that Warner might be one of the best Aussie openers of modern-day, but he is not the best. Even before the series got underway, critics had backed Warner to wreak havoc on the Indian bowlers. However, the groin injury during the ODIs did some damage, while he struggled to run during his return in the third Test. Furthermore, he also failed to thrive under pressure, as the Indian bowlers did their homework on bowling out-swingers at him, which has been his weakness for quite some time. Although Warner has had considerable success at home, he certainly got a reality check this term.

ALSO READ: Cricket Australia pens an emotional letter to Team India and BCCI

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Analysing the talking points as India scripts historic win-ayh

India has replacement skippers ready: Regular skipper, Virat Kohli drew criticisms to take paternity leave on Australia's crucial tour. However, as Ajinkya Rahane stepped in, he proved that it doesn't matter who the skipper is. As long as the side relies on its gameplan, the side would flourish as a cohesive unit. Rahane relied on his bowlers, giving them the freedom to bowl their best, while sticking to their gameplan, thus helping the skipper in return. Furthermore, India had vice-captains in the form of Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit, and the way the Indians produced an all-round performance, it has proved that everyone in the side is a skipper on his own.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Analysing the talking points as India scripts historic win-ayh

India's young guns know how to succeed in challenges: More than the veterans' priceless experience, the youngsters were determined to take up the challenge and rise to the occasion which made India a deadly unit in this series. Starting from Gill and Mohammed Siraj to Washington Sundar, T Natarajan, Navdeep Saini and even Shardul Thakur, all took up the challenge to shine in their respective departments and played with utmost dedication to prosper. This determination has given new recognition to the side, which is sure to be lethal for the opponents in the coming days, no matter where it plays. Man! I'm already looking forward to the tour of England in August.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Analysing the talking points as India scripts historic win-ayh

Don't thank god, but Rahul Dravid: Confused? Let me explain. The utmost reason for a youngster to perform is how he is groomed from his initial days into the sport. These Indian youngsters are coming off from the under-19 circuit, and guess who coaches these young guns? It's none other than The Wall, Rahul Dravid. He has played a pivotal role in India's success with the youths of late, as they have really blossomed under him. With plenty more in the making, as he grooms further at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, India will have an abundance of talent in the sidelines, in the coming years. Watch out global cricket.

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios