Ashwin and Iyer shared an unbeaten run of 71 runs over eight wickets to take India home by three wickets to win the two-match series 2-0.
India may have swept the two-match Test series, but the results don’t cover all cracks. His two big hitters for India, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, are finding momentum in February and he was a big concern ahead of his four-match Test series against Australia in March. was not possible.
In his 36 innings since the last Test century against Bangladesh in Kolkata in November 2019, Kohli averaged 26.20, just 6 50. Vice-captain Rahul has not scored more than 25 points in seven straight innings.
But is it wise for a hitter who is out of shape to try to find his form at high-stakes tryouts?
“Obviously I don’t go into a game thinking about what I’ve done and what’s going to happen next,” Rahul said on Sunday. “Good luck. Sometimes it doesn’t happen. I’ve seen the ups and downs and I know none last.”
“Playing all three formats, it’s hard to jump from one to the other. Personally, I haven’t played Test cricket in a while and it takes some getting used to.
“My performance in that series wasn’t great and I can accept that. I tried my best and it didn’t work out. I am thinking if I can.”
Of particular concern is the problem of Indian hitters countering spins, a technique once considered part of their muscle memory.
“Whatever the line or turn, the hitters will come out,” Rahul said. “If it’s a pattern, work with your coach to see where it’s not right.”
“We have four important tests against Australia, spin support. Australia will prepare, we will study the conditions, the pitch. “Preparation and hard work are in our hands. [But] you’re never perfect. Even if you only play spins the next month, it doesn’t mean you can play every game hundreds of times. Just be prepared with the right attitude, the mistakes you made here, the experience will help you.”