India shamed by Australia: Rohit Sharma & Co only left with themselves to blame

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It's a pretty bleak picture of the current state of Indian cricket after losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and bowing out of the World Test Championship final race. The fall from grace, especially after the highs of the last few years, has indeed been striking.

India's Test team, once a juggernaut, now seems to be in a state of transition and uncertainty, with a lot of key questions hanging over the team's future. Firstly, it seems like a combination of factors contributed to India's downfall.

Yes, there was a shift in coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir, but it's not the sole reason. It's clear that the comfort zone that some of the senior players, including Rohit Sharma, may have been in, played a role. Rohit's form, or lack thereof, and his position as Test captain have been points of concern.

His ability to lead and contribute consistently has come under scrutiny, especially when someone like KL Rahul, who was performing better, got displaced in the Melbourne Test. Virat Kohli's form has also been patchy, and while he showed glimpses of his best, his inconsistency has been another cause for concern.

Shubman Gill's struggle to perform when it mattered most has added to the team's woes, and with players like these failing to click, India lost the advantage they once had. Key players, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah, were the few shining lights in an otherwise underwhelming campaign.

Bumrah's absence in crucial moments (Sydney Test) had a massive impact, and his return could provide a huge boost for the side. Rishabh Pant's inconsistency, on the other hand, has been disappointing given his explosive potential.

If the team has relied too heavily on just two match-winners - Bumrah and Pant - that is a major flaw in their overall strategy. The question of leadership is critical. There's a growing sentiment that Rohit's time as Test captain might be over.

Whether the selectors turn to Virat Kohli again or hand over the reins to someone like Jasprit Bumrah or a younger player is a matter for the future. The IPL may indeed play a big role in the selectors' decision, but with several fresh faces like Pant, Gill, Jaiswal, and others coming through, India has options.

It seems like the team needs a complete overhaul, not just in terms of personnel but also in terms of mentality and balance. The pressure of constantly being expected to dominate at home, and the disappointment of falling short at crucial moments, has clearly taken a toll.

The selectors must be decisive and act swiftly, especially with the new WTC cycle on the horizon. While India did have moments of brilliance- thanks to Bumrah, like their stunning win in Perth and some near-misses in Melbourne and Sydney-the reality is that Australia was simply the better team overall.

It wasn't just about the individual performances but the overall team cohesion and adaptability. The Aussies, despite some of their own struggles, seemed to know how to seize the crucial moments, and that made all the difference.

India's loss to New Zealand at home, especially by a 3-0 margin, seemed to send a signal that something was amiss in their Test cricket setup. That series exposed cracks, and despite India's dominant home record, those defeats raised questions about the team's ability to perform when the pressure mounts.

Whether it's against quality opponents like Australia or in the high-stakes atmosphere of a home series. Australia, with its experience and the ability to adapt to tough conditions, simply seemed more prepared to handle the demands of the series.

The Indians, on the other hand, looked like they were struggling to find the right balance - both in terms of strategy and personnel. It wasn't just about individual performances from players like Bumrah or Jaiswal, the team as a whole didn't seem to gel as effectively.

That Australia knew they had the upper hand from early on, especially after India's tough losses, speaks volumes about their confidence and mentality. India, despite the talent and potential, seemed a step behind in terms of mindset and execution when it really mattered.