Border-Gavaskar Trophy / Australia-A whitewashed India-A - the team was in bad shape even before BGT

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: The current form of the Indian cricket team remains a matter of concern. Recently, after a crushing 3-0 defeat against New Zealand, Team India lost the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Now the challenge of the Indian team has become more difficult, as it has to play a 5-match Test series under the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia from November 22. The defeat of the India A team before the main team reached Australia has raised questions on the preparations of Team India.

India A clean sweep against Australia A

Recently the second unofficial Test match was played between Australia A and India A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), in which India A had to face defeat by 6 wickets. In the first innings, only Dhruv Jurel scored 80 runs for India, due to which the entire team collapsed for 161 runs. In response, Australia A scored 223 runs and gained a significant lead of 62 runs. India performed slightly better in their second innings, scoring 229 runs, in which Dhruv Jurel again scored the highest 68 runs. But Australia A easily achieved the target of 168 runs with 6 wickets remaining.

India A batsmen flopped

The performance of the Indian batsmen in this match was very disappointing. Australia A won the toss and chose to bowl and put the Indian batsmen under pressure. India's first innings was reduced to just 161 runs, in which the top order batsmen could not do much. KL Rahul scored only 14 runs in both innings, while Abhimanyu Easwaran added only 17 runs. Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 16 runs in the first innings and 38 in the second innings. Except Dhruv Jurel, who scored half-centuries in both innings, no batsman could stand against the Australian bowlers.

Bowlers' struggle

Prasidhhi Krishna may have taken a total of 6 wickets in this match, but the performance of the Indian bowlers proved weak in defending the target. Chasing 168 runs, Australia's team had a shaky start, and they lost 4 wickets for 73 runs. However, after this Sam Constas (73 not out) and Beau Webster (46 not out) took charge and led the team to victory. Indian bowlers struggled for wickets, but did not get success and Australia A easily achieved the target.

Concerns increased for Team India before Border-Gavaskar Trophy

India A's defeat has increased the concerns of Indian cricket fans and team management. At this time when India's main team is preparing for the Australia tour, questions are being raised on the form and performance of the players. Apart from Dhruv Jurel and Prasidh Krishna, no player performed at the level that was expected, and the decline in form of the main players has increased the concern even more.

What will be the challenges of Team India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

Playing a Test series in Australia has always been challenging, and this time the situation will be even more difficult for Team India. Given the current form of the Indian batsmen and the struggling bowlers, expecting a better performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy may prove challenging. KL Rahul and other top batsmen will have to improve their form, while the bowlers will also need to show more aggression and accuracy.

Team India's performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the Australia tour will be important not only for the reputation of the Indian team but also for maintaining its position in the World Test Championship.