The legendary cricketer criticized India’s batting lineup for their poor technique during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli were particularly disappointing. Rohit managed just 31 runs in three matches across five innings, averaging a meager 6.20. Meanwhile, Kohli scored 190 runs in five matches across nine innings, averaging 23.75, with only one century to his name. Kohli consistently fell victim to deliveries outside the off-stump, especially against Australian pacer Scott Boland, who dismissed him four times.

Discussing India’s struggles, the cricketing icon highlighted recurring technical flaws in the team’s batting approach. “These mistakes have been happening repeatedly—not just in this series but even against New Zealand earlier. That’s why we haven’t qualified for the World Test Championship. The new cycle starts in June, and from now on, we must be fully prepared. Tough decisions will have to be made if necessary,” he remarked.

He also emphasized the importance of playing domestic cricket to regain form, urging players to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches starting January 23. He pointed out that there should be no excuses for missing these games and suggested that players unwilling to commit to domestic cricket should not be considered for future Test squads.

The lack of big scores from the Indian batters was another major concern. Apart from centuries by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy, no other player reached triple digits. The veteran observed that the team lacked the determination and application needed for Test cricket. He questioned how many players had even managed half-centuries or attempted to fight back when the team was under pressure.

The 2024-25 Test season has been rough for India’s star duo—Rohit and Kohli. Rohit scored just 164 runs in eight matches across 15 innings at an average of 10.93, with a best score of 52. Kohli fared slightly better but still underwhelmed with 382 runs in 10 matches across 19 innings, averaging 22.87 with just one century and one fifty.

In the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Test, India won the toss and chose to bat first but faltered yet again. The top order crumbled, with Kohli scoring only 17 as he continued struggling against outside-off-stump deliveries. Rishabh Pant (40 runs off 98 balls), Ravindra Jadeja (26 off 95), and skipper Jasprit Bumrah (22 off 17) showed some resistance, pushing India to a modest total of 185 in 72.2 overs. For Australia, Scott Boland shone with figures of 4/31, supported by Mitchell Starc (3/49) and Pat Cummins (2/37).

Australia’s first innings wasn’t much better as they were bowled out for 181 runs, giving India a slim four-run lead. Debutant Beau Webster impressed with a gritty 57 off 105 balls, while Steve Smith contributed an attacking 33. Despite an injury scare that sidelined Bumrah temporarily, India’s bowlers delivered, with Prasidh Krishna (3/42) and Mohammed Siraj (3/51) leading the charge.

India’s second innings started on a brighter note with Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) and KL Rahul (13) putting together a 45-run opening stand. However, Boland wreaked havoc again, claiming six wickets for 45 runs. Pant’s counter-attacking knock of 61 off 33 balls wasn’t enough as India folded for just 157, setting Australia a target of 162.

Australia faced some early setbacks in their chase, finding themselves at 58/3. But steady contributions from Usman Khawaja (41), Travis Head (34*), and Webster (39*) guided them to a six-wicket victory despite a spirited effort from Prasidh Krishna (3/65).

Scott Boland was named Player of the Match for his outstanding ten-wicket haul, while Jasprit Bumrah earned Player of the Series honors for his remarkable tally of 32 wickets.