Highs And Lows Of Indian Cricket In 2021

Coming to Gabba, Australia had never lost a Test at the venue since 1988. However, fighting performances from newcomers Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan, Washington Sundar and a five-for from Mohammed Siraj kept India in the game...

- Renin Wilben

2021 has been a mixed year for Indian cricket. While there have been a few highs, there have been some shocking lows as well, both on and off the field. The Indian cricket team is currently in South Africa for a Test and ODI tour and will ring in the New Year in the Rainbow nation. India will hope to get off to a good start in 2022. Meanwhile, as 2021 comes to a close, we look back at the highs and lows of Indian cricket in the year.

HIGHS

1. SECOND TEST SERIES WIN IN AUSTRALIA:

When India defeated Australia in 2018-19, a lot of critics sought to downplay the achievement, citing the fact that the Aussies were without their two best batters Steve Smith and David Warner - who were serving their ball-tampering bans. In 2020-21 though, Australia had their best side available, plus Marnus Labuschagne, who has grown in stature over the last two seasons.

In contrast, India were on the back foot. They were trampled in Adelaide as they crumbled to 36 all out in the pink-ball Test. Virat Kohli flew back to India after the first Test on paternity leave. Mohammed Shami was also ruled out of the remainder of the series after injuring himself during the first Test. India were handicapped by injuries throughout, so much so that by the time the last Test was played at the Gabba, Mohammed Siraj, who had debuted in Melbourne, was their most ‘experienced’ bowler.