The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023, held in India, witnessed yet another dominant performance by the hosts as they secured a 2-1 series win over Australia. This marked India’s fourth consecutive BGT series win with the same margin, showcasing their supremacy in this iconic bilateral Test series. The 2023 series was also the last time the BGT featured four matches, with plans for a revised structure in the future.
Key Highlights of the Series
- India’s Strong Start:
- The series opener in Nagpur saw India demolish Australia by an innings and 132 runs, setting the tone for the series.
- Delhi Domination:
- In the second Test in New Delhi, Rohit Sharma’s side secured a 6-wicket win, further cementing their lead in the series.
- Australia’s Fightback:
- In the third Test in Indore, stand-in captain Steve Smith led Australia to a commanding 9-wicket victory, as the visitors exploited a spin-friendly pitch to perfection.
- Draw in Ahmedabad:
- The fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad ended in a draw on a flat batting track, ensuring India retained the trophy. Despite the stalemate, India qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, thanks to New Zealand’s win over Sri Lanka in a parallel contest.
Standout Performers
- Usman Khawaja (Australia): The opener emerged as the leading run-scorer with 333 runs, including a century, showcasing consistency against India’s formidable bowling attack.
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India): The premier off-spinner was named Player of the Series for his remarkable haul of 25 wickets across four Tests, demonstrating his mastery in home conditions.
A Historic Series
The BGT 2023 added another chapter to India’s dominance in the rivalry, maintaining their unbeaten streak at home since the series began in 1996-97. With four consecutive series wins, India continues to hold the trophy, named after legendary captains Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar.
The focus now shifts to the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where India aims to extend their legacy in Australia.