IND vs AUS: Five Reasons behind India turning the tables and Bossing Australia in their own Den

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IND vs AUS: The backdrop of the just-concluded Perth Test couldn't have been more challenging for Jasprit Bumrah and Co. The odds were stacked against them when the starting line-up was announced.

The visitors went into the BGT opener without key players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami. Despite all that, India pulled off a resounding 295-run victory against Australia at Optus Stadium to take the first lead in the series.

With India fielding two debutants - Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana, the two new faces pitched in with impactful contributions. This really has to be one of the greatest ever wins by Team India on Australian soil. Here are the five pivotal reasons behind India's remarkable triumph

1. Jasprit Bumrah ticks boxes as a Captain and Bowler

Rohit Sharma's absence has been on the cards after he was blessed with a baby boy. Meanwhile, India's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah took charge and walked the talk superbly. Despite the pressure of leading an inexperienced side, Bumrah marshaled his resources effectively and led by example with the ball.

From 150 all-out to a scintillating win, Bumrah couldn't have asked for a collective effort from his teammates. His eight wickets in the match, including a fiery first-innings five-wicket haul, dismantled Australia and tilted the game in India’s favour.

2. Morne Morkel’s influence

It was a complete bowling effort from the visitors and India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel deserves credit. All five bowlers who bowled took wickets. Bumrah led the pack with 8 wickets. Mohammed Siraj provided key breakthroughs, taking 5 wickets whereas debutant Harshit Rana impressed with 4 wickets. Washington Sundar picked up 2 wickets and Nitish Reddy’s maiden Test wicket rounded out the effort.

3. KL Rahul and Jaiswal’s 201-Run Opening Stand

The turning point of the match was the second-innings partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Their 201-run stand is the highest by an Indian opener pair against Australia in Australia. The staggering liaison set the tone for India’s massive lead.

KL Rahul had clarity in his batting role where he wore down the Aussie bowlers early, while Jaiswal unleashed an attacking century in his maiden Test in Australia. Rahul’s mentorship helped the young Jaiswal channel his aggression effectively and the youngster drew plaudits for his impeccable 161.

4. Virat Kohli’s 30th Test century

Virat Kohli may have faltered in the first innings with a score of 5 to Josh Hazlewood, but his second-innings knock was a masterpiece. He scored 100 off 143 balls, including 8 fours and 2 sixes and notched his 30th Test century. His 81st international century played a pivotal role in India building an unassailable lead.

5. Nitish Reddy shines on Debut

Nitish Reddy announced his arrival on the big stage with an all-round performance. In a first innings where India’s batters struggled, Reddy top-scored with a gutsy 41 off 59 balls, including six boundaries and a six. In the second innings, he pitched in with a quick-fire 38 not out off 27 deliveries, which added vital runs to India’s total. Besides that, he also made an impact with the ball, dismissing Mitchell Marsh to claim his maiden Test wicket.