A recap of Team India's unpredictable Test season

NEW DELHI: Team India witnessed a rollercoaster Test season which came to an end with a 1-3 defeat in the

Border-Gavaskar Trophy

. The loss also marked the end of India's decade-long dominance in the series, as Australia reclaimed the coveted trophy after 10 years.

India began their Test season with authority against Bangladesh at MA Chidambaram Stadium. The first Test saw India register a massive 280-run victory, thanks to a collective batting effort and the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja dismantling Bangladesh's lineup.

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The caravan moved to Kanpur, where India completed the sweep in a match that will be remembered for the ages. Despite only 35 overs being bowled across the first three days, the hosts pulled off an incredible heist.
But their push for an unthinkable victory reflected Team India's unwavering mindset - a determination to strive for success regardless of the situation.

India facing only 312 balls in this match marked the second-fewest deliveries they have faced — and the fourth-fewest overall - to secure a Test victory, trailing only their 281-ball chase against South Africa in Cape Town last year.
Home dominance ended
New Zealand were up against India in their next assignment at home for a three-match series. Going by India's current form and New Zealand's past record on Indian soil, the series was expected to be a straightforward challenge for the hosts.
However, India were dealt a stunning blow in the first innings of the opening Test in Bengaluru, collapsing to a mere 46 runs - their lowest-ever Test total at home.

New Zealand capitalised with a strong batting performance, securing a substantial lead and ultimately chasing down the target with ease. The victory marked New Zealand's first Test win in India since 1988.
What unfolded in the next Test at Pune was something India hadn't experienced in over a decade, as New Zealand handed them their first home

Test series

defeat since 2012.
New Zealand's spinners, particularly Mitchell Santner, played a pivotal role, with Santner taking 13 wickets in the match. India's batting lineup struggled to counter the spin threat, leading to a significant defeat.

The third and last Test of the series at Wankhede Stadium in Bengaluru brought no change of fortunes for the hosts as New Zealand did the unthinkable and inflicted a first 3-0 whitewash on India at home with 25-run victory.
BGT legacy shattered
The focus then shifted to one of the biggest rivalries in world cricket - the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India, who reigned supreme on the previous two tours Down Under, were once again tipped to hand a shocker to Australia in their own backyard.
And India rightly lived up to the expectations as they secured a commanding victory in the first Test at Perth, winning by 295 runs.
However, Australia bounced back in the second Test (day-night) in Adelaide, achieving a 10-wicket win. The third Test in Brisbane concluded in a draw, setting the stage for a competitive remainder of the series.
However, the cricketing world was met with surprise after the completion of Gabba Test as star Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect.
In the fourth Test at Melbourne, Australia clinched a 184-run victory to go 2-1 up in the five-match series, leaving a lot to ponder ahead of the New Year Test in Sydney.
On the eve of the Sydney Test, Indian cricket fans were taken aback when the out-of-form skipper, Rohit Sharma, opted to 'stood out' from the match to make way for Shubman Gill. However, the move yielded little success, as Australia maintained their momentum and won the fifth Test by six wickets, ultimately securing the series.