The Indian cricket team fell short of securing a hat-trick of Test series wins in Australia, losing the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) by a 3-1 margin. This defeat not only ended India’s hold on the prestigious trophy but also dashed their hopes of making a third consecutive appearance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The series marked the retirement of veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin, with speculation rife that a few more senior players could bid farewell to Test cricket by the year’s end.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Breakthrough Test Tour in Australia
On his debut Test tour to Australia, Yashasvi Jaiswal exceeded expectations by finishing as the series‘ second-highest run-scorer. Battling pace-friendly pitches and the challenging Kookaburra ball, Jaiswal amassed 391 runs at an average of 43, including one century and two fifties. His standout performance came in Perth, where his century played a pivotal role in India’s commanding 295-run victory.
After dominating on home soil, Jaiswal proved his mettle overseas, cementing his reputation as one of cricket’s brightest young talents.
2. Nitish Kumar Reddy: Promising Debut as a Seam-Bowling All-Rounder
Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed in his debut Test series, playing the challenging seam-bowling all-rounder role. He scored 298 runs at an average of 37, with a memorable century in Melbourne alongside Washington Sundar and the tailenders. Additionally, Reddy recorded three scores in the 40s, showcasing his batting consistency.
Although he managed five wickets in the series, Reddy acknowledged room for improvement in his bowling. The 21-year-old’s performance under pressure hints at a promising future for Indian cricket.
3. Rishabh Pant Silences Critics with Bold Performances
After facing harsh criticism for his failures in Melbourne, Rishabh Pant silenced doubters in Sydney with two contrasting knocks: a gritty 40 off 98 balls and an explosive 61 off just 33 on a challenging pitch.
Pant’s second-innings blitz vindicated his attacking approach and reaffirmed his status as India’s premier Test keeper-batsman. His contributions kept India competitive and underscored why his natural style of play should be embraced.
4. Mohammed Siraj: The Relentless Workhorse
Mohammed Siraj’s efforts in the series were nothing short of heroic. He emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 20 scalps—more than Australia’s Mitchell Starc—and bowled an incredible 157 overs. Siraj’s energy and determination were pivotal, often leading India’s attack in challenging situations.
Since 2023, Siraj has bowled 683 overs in international cricket, the most for any Indian pacer. His relentless work ethic and passion were evident throughout the series, compensating for the absence of Mohammed Shami.
5. Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana: Glimpses of Promise
India’s third-seamer spot posed a challenge in the series, with Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana sharing the responsibility. Each bowler had moments of brilliance—Rana in Perth, Deep in Brisbane, and Krishna in Sydney—but lacked consistency.
As debutants in Australian conditions, their performances were promising in patches, offering India hope for the future. Their efforts enabled the team to stay competitive despite the absence of a seasoned third pacer.