2018 in Review

India had a mixed bag 2018. While they won their first ODI series in South Africa, retained Asia Cup, claimed Nidahas Trophy in absence of Kohli and Bumrah but they squandered a golden opportunity to win test series in South Africa and England. As the year concluded, they had taken an unassailable lead of 2-1 against Australia and have given themselves a wonderful chance to win their first test series on Australian soil.

High Point 

The high point came right towards the end of the year when India defeated Australia in Boxing Day test match at MCG. The victory ensured that India will retain Border Gavaskar Trophy and will not lose a test series in Australia for the first time since 2003-04. Cheteshwar Pujara and Jasprit Bumrah were the main architects of this historic victory. Pujara continued his good form and piled up a hundred which set up the match for India, Bumrah 9-fer broke the back of vulnerable Australian batting line up helping India to register a 137 runs victory.

The other satisfying moment was walloping South Africa 5-1 in ODI series in their own backyard. Captain Kohli's 3 hundred and the 33 wickets among wrist-spin twins of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav laid the foundation of this astounding series win on pacer friendly pitches. This win drives the point home that India is one of the strongest contenders of 2019 World Cup.

Low Point

The scoreline 1-4 doesn't tell the story of India's competitiveness. At one point or other, in every game (barring Lords) they had their moments but their failure to seize the moment meant yet another series defeat in England. The proud-ness to be able to compete in England should be in no way outweighing the fact that this was an opportunity lost. With the riches of BCCI coupled with potential India have, they should be winning more than losing. Failure to put up a complete batting performance, inability to knock down lower order and more than that poor team selection proved to be hurdles in India's quest for victory.

Diminishing Star

Murali Vijay had an underwhelming 2018. He was supposed to provide India solid starts at the top of the order but failed to live up to his billing. After having been dropped from Indian team midway during the England series he made a comeback against Australia but was again left out. His strength to leave the ball was not on display. With the emergence of Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw, Vijay might have played his last match in India's test cap.

Rising Star 

After making his test debut in January against South Africa, by the time the year ended, Jasprit Bumrah had made rapid strides in the test arena. The selection of Bumrah against South Africa drew a lot of flak as he was picked primarily based on his limited over exploits. But he responded to his critics in the best possible manner. 2018 saw him pick 48 wickets at an average of 21.02 (in test cricket). He played an instrumental role in all four India's victories away from home bagging a 5-fer in three of them. It is Bumrah's ability to learn and adapt quickly that sets him apart. Throughout the year he kept adding weapons to his armory. He got a yard quicker, mastered the outswinger - which is difficult to bowl with his action and most importantly developed control over his variations.

The Goodbye

Gautam Gambhir bid adieu to cricket in 2018. Gambhir last played for India in 2016 had a topsy-turvy career. At one point he was batting 11 hours to help India save a test match in New Zealand, resisting Steyn and Co. in Cape Town, at other he was unable to deal with the short ball. At one end he was the hero of India's two World Cup triumphs, at other extremes, he was indirectly called out for his slow fielding. Gambhir's contribution to Indian cricket was far greater than what numbers will suggest. He rose above his limitations, was the highest individual scorer in two World Cup finals and a great IPL captain. That Gambhir didn't get the grand farewell is quite perfect for a man who played his entire cricket under the radar.