Test evolution, T20 stagnation

2016 in review

High Point

2016 turned out to be a very good year for Indian Cricket. They clean swept Australia in T-20s, then were crowned champions of Asia in T-20 format. But what more satisfying than their test performances. Out of 12 test matches that India played, they won 9 and managed to draw other 3. For starters, India defeated West Indies in West Indies. They, then lashed New Zealand 3-nil. But the out blasting they did to England - a team that has caused India most troubles in the past - will go down as their high point. England came in India with reputation of doing well in Indian conditions and they almost started perfectly but spirited India on non-rank turners showed their class and routed England 4-0 and regained Anthony De Mello Trophy for first time since 2009.

Low Point

India was tipped to win T20 World Cup and why not it was in their own backward. They had IPL experience and rich form coming into the tournament. Converse happened. India stuttered and badly. The campaign commenced with a loss to New Zealand. After that, Virat Kohli on his own, twice, steered India past finishing line and victory against Bangladesh was based on luck. Overall India campaign never quite get the going they would have hoped. Loss to West Indies (eventual winners) in Semi Final highlighted T20 cricket stagnation in India - a country which holds the best T20 league - that how India is not ready to embrace bold strategies. Also, series loss to second string Australian team at start of year was a big blow.

Diminishing Star

Injuries to Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul and with dint of consistent performances in Duleep Trophy, Gautam Gambhir got a chance to make a comeback in international cricket after two years. Apart from notching a half century in second innings of his come back test, other three outings were underwhelming, which meant his come back was limited to just two games. Gambhir might have played his last match in India's test cap.

Rising Star

2016 saw emergence of promising bright talent in Indian cricket. Jayant Yadav and Karun Nair showed steel. But what more superior than unearthing of a bowler with artistry of executing pin-point yorkers. Injuries to Mohammed Shami resulted in Bumrah getting a chance to tour Australia, where with his unorthodox action and his unique ability he earned the praise of MS Dhoni. Bumrah played an epicenter role in squeezing the victory by 1 run margin against Bangladesh, which prolonged India's world cup campaign. ODI Series against New Zealand and Zimbabwe were also fruitful ones for Jasprit.

In Jasprit Bumrah, India has a bowler which can be trusted in high voltage scenarios i.e death overs - which was India's weakness in the past. Bumrah finished 2016 as highest wicket-taker in T20s.

Player of the Year

Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli was exuberant. Virat Kohli was serene. Virat Kohli was hysterical. Virat Kohli was vibrant. Virat Kohli was bubbly. What more Virat Kohli was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. These superlatives rightly sums up Kohli's 2016. Virat Kohli smashed 2595 runs (excluding 973 IPL runs) across the formats in 2016. This year, his drought of double centuries also ended. Kohli single-handedly took India to World Cup semifinal and was awarded with Player of the Tournament award for second time in successive editions. His knock of 82* vs Australia saw him baring his emotions loudly in public while 211 vs New Zealand saw a more placid side of his persona. During the year, he achieved a unique feat by becoming first player to average 50+ across the formats. 2016 was all about Virat Kohli.