The 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) was a defining moment in Indian cricket. Despite setbacks like injuries and the absence of key players, India stunned Australia to win the series 2-1. The “Gabba Fortress” was breached, leaving a legacy etched in cricketing folklore. However, the cricketing landscape is ever-evolving, and the heroes of that series have since charted different courses in their careers. Let’s take a detailed look at where the members of the initial squad, including those who joined later, stand today.
1. Virat Kohli (Captain)
Virat Kohli, who captained the first Test, took a break from the series for personal reasons, leaving leadership duties to Ajinkya Rahane. Today, Kohli is no longer India’s Test captain and has faced challenges in regaining his peak form. Despite this, he remains an integral part of the team and is set to play in the 2024-25 BGT, hoping to reignite his dominance.
2.Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-Captain)
Rahane’s leadership in Kohli’s absence was pivotal in securing the series win. However, his inconsistent performances eventually led to his omission from the Indian team. Currently, he captains Mumbai in domestic cricket, continuing to contribute with experience and grit, but remains out of contention for the national side.
3. Prithvi Shaw
Shaw started the 2020-21 BGT as an opener but struggled with form and technical issues. Since then, his career has taken a nosedive due to fitness and disciplinary concerns. He has been dropped from domestic sides and the national team, with his return to top-flight cricket looking increasingly uncertain.
4. Mayank Agarwal
Mayank was one of India’s promising openers, but inconsistent performances and the emergence of other players have cost him a spot in the national side. While still active in domestic cricket, he wasn’t selected for the ongoing BGT.
5. Cheteshwar Pujara
Pujara, known for his resilience, played a crucial role in the 2020-21 BGT. However, India’s strategy to evolve and field younger players has sidelined him. He is absent from the 2024-25 BGT squad and now plays county cricket in England, keeping his cricketing journey alive.
6. Hanuma Vihari
Vihari’s heroics in the Sydney Test, where he batted with an injured hamstring, are fondly remembered. However, injuries and inconsistent opportunities have kept him out of action for nearly two years, leaving his future in Indian cricket uncertain.
7. Wriddhiman Saha
Saha was India’s reliable wicketkeeper-batter during the series. Recently, he announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, signaling the end of an era. His decision comes after a successful domestic stint, leaving behind a legacy of grit and professionalism.
8. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ashwin remains one of India’s most dependable players. Having recently surpassed 100 Tests and 500 wickets, he continues to be a match-winner. Ashwin is a key part of the current BGT squad and is expected to play a crucial role in the series.
9.Jasprit Bumrah
Considered one of the greatest Test bowlers of his generation, Bumrah’s stature has only grown since the 2020-21 BGT. Despite facing injury setbacks, he is fit and ready for the upcoming BGT, where his lethal bowling will be pivotal for India.
10. Mohammed Shami
Shami faced a series of ups and downs post-2020-21. Frequent injuries kept him in and out of the side. However, he has now regained his place and will feature in the 2024-25 BGT, offering experience and skill to India’s pace attack.
11. Umesh Yadav
A seasoned campaigner during the 2020-21 series, Umesh has struggled with form and fitness in recent years. He is currently out of the Indian team, with younger pacers stepping up to take his place.
12. Shubman Gill
Gill was relatively new during the 2020-21 BGT but delivered crucial performances, including the iconic Gabba chase. Since then, he has evolved into one of India’s key batters, taking up a new role at No. 3 in the Test setup.
13. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep’s contributions during the series were limited, but he has remained an active member of India’s Test squad. Despite performing well when given opportunities, he hasn’t been included in the 2024-25 BGT team.
14. Navdeep Saini
Saini’s brief appearances during the 2020-21 BGT showed promise, but injuries and inconsistent form have kept him out of the international and IPL spotlight since 2021.
15. Mohammed Siraj
Siraj was a breakout star during the series, leading India’s attack in the absence of senior pacers. Today, he is a mainstay in the Test team, consistently delivering impactful performances both at home and abroad.
16. Ravindra Jadeja
The all-rounder has continued to be a vital cog in India’s Test setup. Known for his match-winning abilities with both bat and ball, Jadeja is part of the current BGT squad and remains one of India’s most reliable players.
17. Rishabh Pant
Pant’s fearless batting at the Gabba remains one of the defining moments of the series. Now a key batter in the Test side, he has matured into a dependable performer at No. 5 and is set to play a central role in the ongoing BGT.
18. KL Rahul
Since the series, Rahul’s career has seen highs and lows. Though his form has been inconsistent, he remains a part of the Indian team and is slated to feature in the 2024-25 BGT, hoping to regain his rhythm.
19. Rohit Sharma
Rohit’s career trajectory post-2020-21 has been remarkable. He has become India’s Test captain and is instrumental in their strategies. However, he will miss the first Test of the 2024-25 BGT due to the birth of his second child.
20. Washington Sundar
Sporadic appearances followed Sundar’s impactful performances in 2020-21 in the Test side. He remains in contention but has not been a regular part of the team.
21.T Natarajan
Natarajan’s debut in the 2020-21 series was a fairy tale, but it didn’t translate into a long-term international career. He has since focused on IPL, where he continues to excel as a bowler.
22. Shardul Thakur
Thakur became a hero in subsequent overseas series but hasn’t cemented his spot in the Test XI. He isn’t part of the 2024-25 BGT squad, though he remains a valuable all-round option.
A Tale of Transformation and Transition
The 2020-21 BGT squad showcased a blend of youth, experience, and incredible resilience. While some players like Gill, Bumrah, and Ashwin continue to thrive, others like Rahane, Shaw, and Saini have faded from the spotlight. As the cricketing world moves forward, the memories of that series will forever serve as a reminder of the squad’s grit and determination.
The journey of these players reflects the dynamic nature of Indian cricket, where opportunities abound but competition remains fierce. Whether they are still donning the Indian jersey or contributing through domestic cricket, each of these players has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket’s history.
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