Indian player ratings from historic series win over Australia

India have claimed their first ever series victory on Australian soil with a dominant 2-1 triumph. Here’s how we rated the 16 men who achieved history this summer. SERIES RATINGS

• AUSTRALIA RATINGS: Was he set up to fail?

• BAD LIGHT OR RULE? Behind decision that angered fans

India have claimed their first ever series victory on Australian soil with a dominant 2-1 triumph.

Here’s how we rated the 16 men who achieved history this summer.

KL RAHUL - 2.5

The loss of Prithvi Shaw before a ball was bowled exposed India’s lack of depth at the top. Rahul managed just 57 runs in five innings and never looked comfortable against the quicks.

MURALI VIJAY - 2

Opened the batting in the first two Tests and looked lost at sea against the new ball, failing to pass 20 in his four knocks. Offered little with his part-time spin, and didn’t feature in Melbourne or Sydney.

Cheteshwar Pujara played an incredible series. Picture: David Gray

CHETESHWAR PUJARA - 9.5

Set the tone in Adelaide with a first-innings ton and backed it up with further centuries in Melbourne and Sydney. Now averages 50 in Tests and was comfortably the player of the series. Our batsmen can learn a thing or 521 from his patience.

VIRAT KOHLI - 7

He’s had better individual tours of Australia, but nothing can top being the first Indian skipper to win a series down under. His captaincy improved with every match, while he chalked up Test ton number six in Australia with a majestic 123 in Perth. No one plays the game harder than Kohli.

Virat Kohli led his country to the historic triumph. Picture: William West

AJINKYA RAHANE - 4

Made several starts and was eager to take on the short bowling, but finished the series with an underwhelming average of 31. He’s a much better player than that.

ROHIT SHARMA - 3.5

Had a brain fade in the first innings of the series when he was caught on the boundary, but redeemed himself with an unbeaten 63 at the MCG. He’s one of the most destructive white ball batters in the world, but we never saw him get going.

RISHABH PANT - 8

Couldn’t have dreamt of a better summer. Smashed 350 runs at a strike rate of 74, and hit a career-best 159 not out in Sydney. Held onto 20 catches and entertained everyone with his cheeky chat behind the stumps. A star on the rise.

Rishabh Pant made his mark on the series. Picture. Phil Hillyard

RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN - 5

Took six wickets in Adelaide and scored handy first innings runs to help his side post what turned out to be a match-winning total. Troubled the left-handers in the top order, but missed the rest of the series with an abdominal strain.

ISHANT SHARMA - 4

Started the series with a dismal record in Australia and finished as their least threatening quick with 11 wickets in three matches. Highlight was his stump-destroying dismissal of Aaron Finch in Adelaide.

MOHAMMED SHAMI - 7

Won’t get the headlines of some of his teammates, but the veteran seamer was outstanding, snaring 16 wickets across the series. His six-wicket haul in the second innings in Perth was masterful, as was his ability to produce reverse swing.

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah had brilliant returns. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

JASPRIT BUMRAH - 9.5

Started the series without much fanfare, but is now one of the best red ball quicks in the world. His pace and steep bounce were almost unplayable at times, while his slower ball to remove Shaun Marsh was a summer highlight. His action mightn’t be traditional, but with 21 wickets, he must be doing something right.

HANUMA VIHARI - 3.5

Didn’t look comfortable when he opened at the MCG, but chipped in with handy runs in Perth and Sydney batting down the order. Picked up a couple of wickets with his part-time spin, but dropped a simple catch in Sydney that he’ll want to forget.

LISTEN! A unique behind the scenes look at the formation and challenges of Fox Cricket and how the commentators approach their craft, featuring Adam Gilchrist, Isa Guha, Steve Crawley (Head of TV at Fox Sports) and Matt Weiss (General Manager of Fox Cricket)

Subscribe to the Cricket Unfiltered podcast here.

UMESH YADAV - 2

Played one Test in Perth and managed two wickets in India’s only loss of the series. Lacked the pace we’ve seen from him in the past.

MAYANK AGARWAL – 6.5

The opening spot is his to lose after a dream start to his Test career. While he would have loved a century, knocks of 76, 42 and 77 suggest he’s one to watch. The youngster looked at ease and passed the pace test with flying colours.

RAVINDRA JADEJA - 6.5

Hasn’t always fared well outside India, but troubled the Aussies with seven wickets and kept things tight with the old ball. Smashed an exciting 81 at the SCG and celebrated in style just to rub it in.

KULDEEP YADAV - 6.5

There’s a reason why Shane Warne loves him. Had to wait until Sydney to get a game, but didn’t waste his chance with five wickets. Was happy to toss the ball up at a slower pace, and bamboozled batsmen with deliveries that went both ways.

Every Test, ODI, T20I, and BBL match live. SIGN UP NOW!