Rating Test teams of this decade

1. India – 9/10

Until the first half of 2011, Team India had a dream ride. Under MS Dhoni, the team seemed invincible. They won in Bangladesh and drew a hard-fought series against South Africa. The team toured Sri Lanka after that in 2010 and drew one more highly competitive series. Towards the end of 2010, they won against both Australia and New Zealand at home. Later, they drew the away series against South Africa. Under Suresh Raina, they started well in 2011 by defeating West Indies.

But soon after that, the tough times began with India’s overseas performance coming under scrutiny. The team was whitewashed by both England and Australia. This was also the period when the side was undergoing transition and MS Dhoni was criticised for his captaincy.

While they were continuing to do well at home, the loss against England at home rubbed salt on the wounds. However, they whitewashed Australia at home which brought some relief. After a few more away losses, MS Dhoni called it quits and Virat Kohli was given the leadership.

All the bowlers with whom Dhoni persisted with for a long time started paying dividends in the Kohli-era. Furthermore, his aggressive captaincy instilled confidence in them. Virat had a dream start and the team rose up the ranks under his leadership. However, despite having one of the best teams ever, they still lost the important away series against South Africa and England.

But later in 2018, they managed to defeat a depleted Australian team. Undoubtedly, Team India has seemed one of the best sides in this era and its team members are playing some of their best cricket. Starting from 2015, India didn’t win just four series and has been brilliant at home.

W/L Ratio: 1.931

*All stats mentioned are till 8th December 2019.

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