CLOSE-IN: Is there a glimmer of hope for the Indian cricket team after all? (IANS Column)

Rain intervened, sparing India from an almost certain defeat against the Aussies in the third Test match held at the Gabba in Brisbane. Numerous cricket series in the past have illustrated how teams have been salvaged by divine intervention through rain and subsequently rewarded with a series triumph!

Perhaps this Indian squad possesses that touch of fortune and divine favor as well, having narrowly escaped from the dire situation they had created for themselves. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with two Test matches remaining.

Australia appears to have lost its advantage due to two critical events that unfolded in the last Test match. The first was their failure to enforce a follow-on, which allowed the Indian lower-order batsmen to thrive. The joy evident on the faces of the Indian coach and players when India surpassed the crucial figure to evade the target was a mix of relief and rejuvenation.

The Indian side of 2020/21, along with the previous one that toured Australia, experienced a similar slump, being bowled out for a mere 36 runs in the first Test in Adelaide. However, India rebounded to win the next match in Melbourne and draw the Sydney Test through a determined effort. Eventually, India triumphed in the final Test and series at Brisbane, a result that seemed unimaginable after the initial debacle.

The second aspect contributing to India's renewed confidence is their bowling performance in the second innings of the match in Brisbane. Despite Australia's aggressive strategy to set a challenging total for declaration, India's achievement of taking 7 wickets for just 89 runs significantly boosted their bowling unit, especially following their first innings performance.

This series between Australia and India has evolved into a two-player contest. The exceptional batting of Travis Head for Australia and the stellar bowling of Jasprit Bumrah for India are pivotal to the series outcome. Travis Head has emerged as a formidable challenge for India, consistently dismantling their bowling attack, as he has done previously in the Test Championship and ODI World Cup finals. He seems to be the cornerstone of the Australian batting lineup. Every Indian cricket fan harbors the hope that the law of averages will finally catch up with him.

Conversely, Jasprit Bumrah is the bowler that every Australian batsman appears to fear. He is establishing himself as the top bowler in the world, having batters at his mercy. Currently, he seems to be a one-man army in the Indian bowling attack, and India hopes he remains fit and ready for the two remaining Test matches.

The Indian team has a reassuring history to draw upon. In the last decade, they have remained unbeaten in both Melbourne and Sydney. In the prestigious Boxing Day Test matches at the MCG, India has won both previous contests. The Melbourne ground has proven to be a venue where India excels, and Jasprit Bumrah has been a source of torment for Australian batsmen in the past at that venue. The Sydney ground, however, has been a high-scoring arena. India has drawn all three previous Test matches played there against Australia. The most recent encounter showcased the incredible resilience and determination of the Indian team in securing a draw. This is a narrative that all Indian players should be cognizant of.

Regrettably for India, one of the key architects of that memorable performance, Ravichandran Ashwin, will be absent. It was surprising that the BCCI and the Indian cricket think tank allowed one of India's and the world's premier off-spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin, to announce his retirement amidst the ongoing series. His presence and experience were invaluable to the team, regardless of his inclusion in the final eleven.

While his disappointment and frustration at being benched occasionally are understandable, his sudden decision to retire and return home raises questions for everyone.

Speculation regarding an unhealthy Indian dressing room and a lack of respect for a legendary performer are among the reasons circulating. Ashwin, with 106 Test matches and 537 wickets for India, deserved a far better send-off than an emotional farewell speech to his teammates.

For Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma, and Ajit Agarkar to allow him to depart may have led the Australian side to believe that all is not well within the Indian camp. A knee injury, being overlooked for the playing eleven, or prior thoughts of retirement before the series are merely excuses. The significance of Ashwin's presence and the threat he posed to an opposition like Australia, especially if the wickets in Melbourne or Sydney turn, would have been a major concern.

Test cricket demands specialists who can deliver substantial scores and numerous wickets. The retirement of two such players, Tim Southee from New Zealand and Ravichandran Ashwin from India, will undoubtedly bring relief to batters worldwide. Both are remarkable cricketers and individuals, deserving of admiration.

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former Indian cricketer. The views expressed are personal.)