India v Australia Test series: Combined XI

Team India emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Australians took an early lead in the series by registering a convincing victory on a tough and topsy-turvy surface at Pune. But the Indians bounced back in the second Test match at Bengaluru largely because of sublime bowling performances by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja who have been game-changers with their variations and guile.

With the third Test at Ranchi ending as a draw, it all came down to the picturesque Dharamsala which hosted the series decider. In a low-scoring entertainer, Team India held the advantage for most part despite the Aussies batting first and won the game with utmost ease early on day 4. Let’s take a look at the Combined X1 for the Test Series:

KL Rahul

KL Rahul has performed exceptionally well at the top of the order for the Indian team. His aggressive and cautious gameplay makes him a worthy foe for any bowler. The Bangalore-born batsman is 3rd on the list of the highest run scorers with 393 runs in 4 matches. His swashbuckling gameplay makes him a threat for any bowler. His crafty 90 in the second Test at Bengaluru paved the way for setting up a defendable target.

Rahul scored 6 half centuries in the series and though he couldn’t touch the triple figures was crucial in giving Team India consistent starts.

Matt Renshaw

The 20-year-old Australian batsman has emerged as one of the players to watch out for after his excellent performances at the top of the order for Australia. His monk-like patience and ability to grind it out made him a thorn in the flesh for the Indian bowlers.

Renshaw demonstrated a great deal of maturity in the first test at Pune by refusing to pave in even when he was running out of partners smashing a wonderful knock of 68 runs in 156 balls which guided the Australians to a total of 260. His maturity beyond the years in spite of being wet behind the years has ensured a spot on our list.

Cheteshwara Pujara

Pujara has been India’s talisman with the willow in the rare scenario where even Virat Kohli failed to perform with the bat. He has been hailed as the perfect successor to India’s legendary batsman Rahul Dravid by fans and experts alike.

The 29-year-old from Rajkot has scored 405 runs in 4 matches at a consistent rate in spite of tough batting conditions and constant pressure from the likes of Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood. Pujara succeeded in sucking the momentum away from the Australians in spite of wickets tumbling down the other end.

His magnificent knock of 202 runs can be hailed as one of the greatest innings ever played by an Indian against Australia.