India thrashed Australia 3-0 in the T20 series in Australia to create history. This was after they went 4-1 down in the one-dayers. Here’s a look at the top performers in the series.
Virat Kohli: The number three bat was the standout performer in the series, crossing the half-century mark in each of the games. He finished the series with 199 runs at an average of exactly the same, at a brilliant strike rate of 160.4. Kohli began the series with an unbeaten 90, made an unbeaten 59 at Melbourne, and was dismissed for 50 at Sydney.
Rohit Sharma: The opener remained consistent even as the format changed. Rohit made 143 runs in the series at an average of 47.66 with two fifties at a strike rate of 136. Rohit made a quick 31 at Adelaide, and followed it up with 60 and 52 at Melbourne and Sydney. He thus capped off an excellent tour on a winning note, unlike the way he started it.
Shane Watson: The veteran all-rounder fell cheaply in the first two matches, but opening the batting while leading in the last game, he blasted a memorable 124 not out. Thanks to that special knock, he finished the series with an average of 75.50 at a strike rate of 164.
Suresh Raina: The left-hander made an impressive comeback with 90 runs, at an average of exactly 90. He made a crucial 41 at Adelaide even as he was in the best of nick. But, it was in the final match at Sydney that he really came into his own, smashing an unbeaten 49 in quick time to take India home.
Aaron Finch: The Aussie T20 skipper featured in the first two games of the series, and made prominent contributions even as his team lost. He made 44 at Adelaide and 74 at Melbourne, before being ruled out of the third game with a hamstring injury. Finch ended the series with 118 runs at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 145.6.
Shikhar Dhawan: The Indian opener contributed only 73 runs across three games, but it was the rate at which he scored that made a difference. Dhawan smashed 42 and 26 in the two games at Melbourne and Sydney, finishing with a strike rate of 149, thus giving the team rollicking starts.
Jasprit Bumrah: The newcomer was the most successful bowler in the tournament with six wickets at an average of 17.16, a strike rate of 11.5 and an economy rate of 8.95. His unconventional bowling action made life difficult for the Aussie batsmen.
Ravindra Jadeja: The left-arm spinner also had a good series, with five wickets at an average of 18.80, a strike rate of 14.4 and an economy rate of under 8.
Ravichandran Ashwin: The offie also made an impact, picking up 4 scalps at an average of 22.75, a strike rate of 18 and a decent economy rate of 7.58.
--By A Cricket Analyst
