The Indian cricket fans and analysts praised stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah on Sunday, while questioning the future of several senior players after India suffered a 3-1 defeat to Australia in an intense five-match Test series.
Bumrah, who served as a beacon of hope for India, stood out in an otherwise grim review of the team’s performance following their six-wicket defeat in the final Test at Sydney.
Sharma, who managed an average of just 10.9 runs in his last eight Tests, either stepped down or was dropped for the final match due to his poor form.
Kohli, barring an unbeaten century in Perth, consistently fell to catches behind the wicket, exposing weaknesses in his technique.
Bumrah, however, emerged as a standout performer.
The fast bowler, acting as captain during the final Test, ended the series with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, earning the Man of the Series title.
Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle called the outcome a "fair result," but highlighted Bumrah’s performance as the standout moment of the series.
"The highlight of the series for me... has been watching Jasprit Bumrah bowl," Bhogle remarked, calling it one of the top moments of his media career.
Bumrah experienced a back niggle on Saturday and went for scans, ultimately missing crucial moments in the match.
Indian cricket journalist Ayaz Memon noted that India staged a "brave fightback," but Bumrah’s absence proved too significant to recover from.
Veteran batting legend Sachin Tendulkar also commended India’s efforts but singled out Bumrah for special praise.
"Jas is just the best in the world!" Tendulkar wrote on social media.
