India suffered a 3-1 defeat against Australia in the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. After this defeat, questions have been raised on the performance of Team India. The performance of the Indian batsmen did not live up to the expectations, while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah single-handedly continued the team’s fight.
former veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh Reacting sharply to the team’s defeat, he criticized the tactics of the team management and players. Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel that Bumrah’s abilities were over-exploited by using him excessively. He blamed the Indian batsmen’s flop show and habit of playing on turning pitches for the defeat.
Harbhajan Singh’s statement: “Got into the habit of dirty pitches”
Harbhajan Singh questioned the strategy of the Indian team and said:
“The heart is sad. There were a lot of expectations from this Indian team. There are big names, but the performance was very poor. India has become used to playing on turning pitches. When this habit is developed after winning on dirty pitches, then one does not understand how to play on good wickets. Indian batsmen failed miserably in Australia.”
“Bumrah was squeezed like sugarcane”
Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer for India in the series, but his excessive bowling took a toll on his body. Harbhajan said:
“Only Jasprit Bumrah dominated the entire tournament. The team squeezed Bumrah like sugarcane. Bumrah was made to bowl against every important batsman. Eventually, when the fifth Test came, his back problems became so severe that he was no longer able to bowl. Had Bumrah not been there, India might have lost 5-0.”
Bumrah’s performance and team’s defeat
- Jasprit Bumrah Statistics:
- Total wickets: 32 (most)
- Average: Injured due to workload despite great performances.
- Team India’s performance:
- Batting: All the big names including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma flopped.
- Series: 3-1 loss, Australia won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years.
