Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT: The ‘What-Ifs’ That Could Have Redefined Both India and Australia's Fate

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be remembered for Australia's dominance and for these pivotal 'what if' moments.

After a decade, Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 3-1 victory over India. The scoreline appears fair, reflecting Australia's dominance after Perth, where India was left playing catch-up. However, this series brimmed with countless 'what ifs.' These fine margins leave us pondering alternate realities where the scoreline or the story could have unfolded differently. Let's explore some of the most intriguing scenarios that could have shifted the fate of this historic rivalry.

Shami's absence and India's pace woes

India's pace depth was tested like never before in this series. With third and fourth seamers averaging close to 40, the visitors relied heavily on Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj's inconsistency made things tougher, even as Bumrah delivered one of his finest performances.

Imagine the impact of a fully fit Mohammed Shami. He could have steadied the attack and pushed Siraj into a third-seamer role, where he thrives. India might have restricted Australia's runs and created more game-changing moments.

Green's missing all-round value

Cameron Green's absence posed a fascinating hypothetical. Would Green have batted at No. 4 with Steve Smith opening? Or would Mitch Marsh have made way for Green to slot at No. 6? The permutations are endless.

More importantly, Australia's bowling attack would have reached new levels of intimidation with Green in the mix. His ability to turn games with bat and ball might have made Australia's victories even more comprehensive.

Hazlewood's injury and Boland's rise

Scott Boland was a revelation, claiming 16 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.75 across the MCG and SCG Tests. His consistency rattled India, particularly Virat Kohli. But what if Josh Hazlewood had never gotten injured at the Gabba?

Would Boland have received the same opportunities? Perhaps India might have found some breathing space in Sydney or Melbourne. Hazlewood's absence opened the door for Boland, but the story might have differed with Australia's seasoned campaigner leading the charge.

India's collapse on Day 1 in Perth

India's collapse on day one at Perth left them with just 67/7, handing the momentum to Australia. Yet, the pitch flattened out on days two and three.

Had India scored 220 on the opening day, Australia might have used the conditions to rack up 400-plus. This alternate reality might have robbed Bumrah of his spellbinding heroics in Perth and changed the complexion of the series altogether.

Dropped catches, lost chances

This series had its share of dropped chances that defined moments. KL Rahul's dropped catch by Steve Smith at the Gabba changed the course of the match. Rahul scored 84, helping India avoid the follow-on in a game they eventually drew.

Similarly, Yashasvi Jaiswal dropping Marnus Labuschagne at 99/6 in Melbourne allowed Australia to build a match-winning lead. What if those catches had stuck? India might have stolen victories and rewritten history.

Bumrah's second-Innings absence at SCG

Bumrah's unavailability in the second innings of the SCG Test haunted India. After just 10 overs in the first innings, his body gave up, and Australia was chasing 162 to win.

With Bumrah, those 162 runs could have felt like 375. His absence allowed Australia to pick apart the Indian seamers, cruising to a win that sealed the series. A fit Bumrah might have kept the contest alive till the very end.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 will be remembered for its fine margins. While Australia triumphed, this series's 'what ifs' remains an enduring tale. These moments remind us how close the game can be to changing its course entirely.