FIVE VALUABLE PLAYERS

The India-Australia series has been a competitive one. HT takes a look at the best five players who made a difference to their sides.

KULDEEP YADAV: THE BABYFACED ASSASSIN

Look no further than Kuldeep Yadav for proof that one can map his way to Tests from the reserve bench of an IPL team. He always could give the ball a good rip. But Kuldeep had to patiently wait for his chances. When they came though, Kuldeep made every one of them count, right from the IPL to Ranji Trophy to last year’s Duleep trophy where he guided India Red to a win.

RAVINDRA JADEJA: THE RAJPUT STRIKES BACK

For too long has Ravindra Jadeja been the silent sidekick. A wicket or two here, few runs there and that sublime fielding --Jadeja wasn’t really expected to do more than that. And how well it has worked out for India! R Ashwin has taken 21 wickets but this series will still be remembered for Jadeja’s double act of 25 wickets and 127 runs that included two vital fifties.

UMESH YADAV: INDIA’S OWN MR PACE

Two years ago, Umesh Yadav had leaked 182 runs in 30 overs at the SCG, becoming the only Indian to average over six. In two years, he has ended a four-Test series, three of which were played on either placid tracks or pitches that favoured spin from the first day, with 17 wickets. Not only does it say a lot about Umesh’s growing repertoire but also his mental transformation.

MATT RENSHAW: DELHI BELLY TO DEPENDABLE

Abandoning post to answer nature’s call, Matt Renshaw couldn’t have had a worse start to his first India tour. Thankfully for him though, the first impression wasn’t lasting enough. A batsman in the yesteryears mould, Renshaw has the gift of patience against mounting odds. Australia may have lost the series but they have gained a dependable opener in Renshaw.

PAT CUMMINS: RETURN OF THE NATIVE

Pat Cummins was like this folklore India had only heard of but not faced in Test cricket. He wasn’t supposed to be part of this series as well. But an injury to Mitchell Starc meant Cummins had the opportunity to return to international cricket. He was fairly predictable with the frequency of bouncers but it’s the variation that made Cummins such a standout pacer.