The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) has always been a highlight in the cricketing calendar, especially the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The 2020 iteration was particularly memorable for India, clinching a historic victory that resonated with fans and analysts alike. However, as we approach another BGT series, it’s notable that several key players from that match are no longer part of the Indian squad. Here, we delve into the journeys of Umesh Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Mayank Agarwal since that iconic Boxing Day Test.
Umesh Yadav –
Umesh Yadav, known for his express pace and ability to generate bounce, was a significant part of India’s bowling attack in the 2020 Boxing Day Test. His pace and movement were crucial in unsettling the Australian batsmen on a pitch that offered something for the bowlers. However, post-2020, Yadav’s journey has been one of ups and downs.
Injuries have been a recurring theme in his career, affecting his consistency and availability for national duty. While he has continued to play domestic cricket and occasionally for India, his exclusion from the current BGT squad might reflect a strategic shift towards younger or perhaps less injury-prone fast bowlers. Yadav’s experience, especially in Australian conditions, is invaluable, but the pace of the game has moved towards players who can guarantee fitness and form over longer periods.
Ravichandran Ashwin –
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the finest off-spinners India has produced, retired from international cricket just before the Boxing Day Test he has played a pivotal role in the 2020 Boxing Day Test, not just with his bowling but also contributing with the bat. His absence from the current squad is more of a tactical decision, considering the nature of the pitches in Australia, which might not always favor spinners as much as subcontinental tracks do.
Ashwin has remained a part of the Indian team, especially in home conditions and during the World Test Championship final, but his exclusion from this particular series might reflect a broader strategy or a focus on all-rounders who can bowl seam and spin. His performances in domestic cricket and county cricket have kept him in the conversation, but the team’s current composition seems to lean towards different skill sets for this tour.
Cheteshwar Pujara –
Cheteshwar Pujara, dubbed ‘The Wall’ for his defensive prowess, was instrumental in India’s 2020 Boxing Day Test victory, playing a crucial innings that laid the foundation for the win. Since then, Pujara’s career has taken a nuanced path. Known for his patience and ability to grind out innings, his style has occasionally been at odds with the more aggressive approach modern Test cricket sometimes demands.
Pujara has not been part of the current Indian setup for this BGT, which might be due to his recent form or strategic choices favoring players with a faster scoring rate. However, he has been actively playing county cricket in England, showcasing his skills and maintaining his form, which keeps him in contention for future Test appearances, especially in conditions where his technique could be more beneficial.
Ajinkya Rahane –
Ajinkya Rahane captained India to victory in the 2020 Boxing Day Test, leading from the front with a match-winning century. His leadership and performance were pivotal in that series. However, since then, Rahane’s journey has been turbulent, with his place in the team becoming less assured due to fluctuating form and the emergence of new talent.
Rahane is currently not part of the Indian squad for this BGT, having been dropped after a period where he struggled to convert starts into big scores. Nonetheless, he has taken up a leadership role in domestic cricket, captaining Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy and offering mentorship to younger players. His exclusion from the national team might be temporary, given his experience and past contributions, but it underscores the relentless nature of Indian cricket’s selection process.
Mayank Agarwal-
Mayank Agarwal, though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, was part of the Indian squad for the 2020 Boxing Day Test, offering a glimpse into his potential. Since then, his journey has been one of learning and adaptation, with limited chances at the international level. His absence from the current lineup could be attributed to a combination of injury and the depth of talent in India’s fast bowling department.
Mayank Agarwal has been working on his fitness and skills, playing in domestic cricket, where he has shown flashes of brilliance. His pace and ability to bowl quick bouncers make him an exciting prospect, but the competition for spots in the Indian team is fierce, and he needs to prove his consistency to make a comeback.
The absence of these players from the current BGT isn’t just about individual performances but reflects broader trends in Indian cricket. There’s a clear emphasis on fitness, form, and versatility, with selectors often looking for players who can adapt to various conditions and play multiple roles. The inclusion of newer faces or players in better form shows India’s commitment to keeping the team dynamic and competitive.
This transition also speaks to the depth of talent in Indian cricket. While these players have left significant marks, the emergence of new talents ensures that Indian cricket remains vibrant and forward-looking. Each of these cricketers, however, continues to contribute to Indian cricket in different capacities – whether through domestic performances, mentoring, or staying ready for a comeback.
As India takes on Australia in another chapter of the BGT, the legacy of these players from the 2020 Boxing Day Test remains a benchmark of what can be achieved with determination and skill. Their absence from the current squad adds layers to the narrative, highlighting the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines Indian cricket.
