India’s dream of winning consecutive Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in 2024-25 was shattered. Australia won the five-match series 1–3, while India’s only win came in the Perth Test, where the team defeated Australia by 295 runs. In the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma at the beginning of the series, Jasprit Bumrah led the team and led the team to its only win. However, after Rohit’s return, the team’s performance declined.
Bumrah shined, Rohit flopped
Jasprit Bumrah alone shone for India throughout the series, taking 32 wickets and winning the title of “Player of the Series”. On the other hand, captain Rohit Sharma’s performance was very disappointing. In three Test matches, he scored only 31 runs and failed to touch double figures four times. Due to poor form, Rohit decided to keep himself out of the final Test, which became a topic of discussion.
Carrie O’Keefe reveals: Australia’s ‘mental trap’ strategy
Former Australian spinner Carey O’Keefe told that Australia mentally targeted Rohit Sharma during BGT. This strategy has been part of their tradition. O’Keefe said, “Australia troubled Rohit so much mentally that he ruled himself out of the final Test. This is their old strategy—if the opposing captain is broken, victory becomes easier.”
failed to break Bumrah
O’Keefe praised Jasprit Bumrah and said that Australia failed to stop his performance. He said, “Bumrah proved his ability in the series. Australia couldn’t break him, and that’s why he was the only effective player for India.”
Rahane showed strength in 2020-21
Referring to the 2020-21 series, O’Keefe said that then Australia could not break Ajinkya Rahane mentally. After Virat Kohli went on parental leave, Rahane captained in three Tests and India registered a historic 2-1 win.
He said, “Last time Australia’s pressure on Rahane did not work, and India won the series. But this time he targeted Rohit and took advantage of it. With this strategy, Australia has broken other captains as well.”
Australia’s mental strategy became the key to victory
- Rohit Sharma: Only 31 runs in three tests.
- Jasprit Bumrah: 32 wickets, “Player of the Series”.
- Australia’s strategy: Spoiling the game by mentally targeting the opposing captain.
- outcome: Australia wins 1-3.
This series was a forgettable one for India, but Bumrah’s performance kept hopes up for the future.
