The “last frontier” has enticed a number of expeditions to Indian coasts. There have been two tours by Australia, West Indies, and South Africa since 2012, and they have all lost.
Since India last lost a test series at home, nearly a decade ago, a lot has changed in Indian cricket. Four coaches have been in command of the squad since MS Dhoni’s retirement from test cricket, with Virat Kohli leading India to the top of the rankings before he stepped down this year. Continued home dominance by India remained unabated Since England’s stunning 2-1 victory in 2012, they’ve hosted 42 games. After a 2-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka, the hosts have won 15 straight series despite losing two tests.
The “last frontier” has enticed a number of expeditions to Indian coasts. Every time they’ve gone on the road since 2012, Australia, the West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, and England have come up short in a series.
For the first time in history, Sri Lanka has gone 22 matches without a win in India, which is the longest streak for any team in a nation.
When India wins, it generally does it in an emphatic way, often without having to bat again.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, both with 177 test caps between them, have been discarded as a result of the fierce fight for slots.
There was no need to look for them in the Sri Lankan match.
It was an excellent day for the middle order as Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari made half-centuries on a Bengaluru wicket that aided the Lankan spinners.
WIDE-LEGS
Although Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s absence was felt the most, Rishabh Pant rose to the occasion and established himself as the team’s first-choice wicketkeeper.
Prior to this, Pant had proven his mettle on the international stage, and in the previous 14 months, he has contributed match-changing wickets lower in the order.
Against Sri Lanka, he was named the series’ best batsman thanks to his blistering glove work, intelligent decision-making on appeals, and explosive batting display.
Pant has been criticized for his tendency to make reckless decisions that cost him wickets.
Rohit believes he has developed a fine line between trusting and restraining his instincts.
“As a cricketer, you want to keep improving. Although I’ve made a few blunders in the past, I’m determined to learn from them. My mentality has shifted, “Pant made the statement. “I used to obsess over what I might have missed. Focusing on my process now.”
The rotation of the team, especially the fast bowlers, has been essential because India plays matches in all three formats throughout the year.
Jasprit Bumrah has played 29 tests for India, but this was only his fourth at home when he took eight wickets.
“Keeping the workload in mind, we have to rotate these bowlers,” Rohit explained.
“To make an influence in the game of test cricket, he’s eager to do so. Bumrah will playtest in India and overseas in the future, but we need to keep an eye on these players.”
