India’s opening batsman, Yashasvi Jaiswal, expressed his determination for the team’s resurgence after their 1-3 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series loss to Australia in Sydney on Sunday. The defeat prevented India from reaching their third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final.
It also marked India’s first Test series loss to Australia in ten years, with the previous defeat occurring in 2015. India had successfully defended the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the four preceding series, two of which were held in Australia.
This time, however, the outcome was unfavourable for India, primarily due to their batters’ struggles on Australian pitches. Jasprit Bumrah emerged as a standout performer, delivering remarkable bowling displays throughout the tour.
He secured the highest number of wickets, 32 in total, and earned the Player of the Series award.
Jaiswal led India’s batting performance, amassing 391 runs, including a century and two half-centuries, at an average of 43.44.
Despite his exceptional individual performance, Jaiswal expressed disappointment over the series loss and emphasised his commitment to continued hard work.
“I learnt a lot in Australia… Unfortunately, the result wasn’t what we had hoped for, but we’ll be back stronger. Your support means everything.”
Australian opener Usman Khawaja, who experienced a challenging series, commended his Indian counterpart.
“Love your work, brother.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also lauded Jaiswal.
“You are a superstar… love watching you play.”
Following the tour’s conclusion on Sunday, legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar expressed strong support for young players Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy, highlighting their performances in Australia.
“If we talk about the macro picture, like we saw with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Yashasvi Jaiswal — they are hungry. They are hungry to earn a name for India. They are hungry to earn a name for themselves. Such players are needed. You need such players who will protect their wicket like their life. You need such players. You can play with them on stroke, but the commitment I want to see.”
