5 factors behind India's 17-match unbeaten streak

Unbeaten streaks are hard to come by, especially in the modern-day game where every team is beatable. Given the aggression and fast-paced nature of cricket, teams are more vulnerable especially on foreign soil. That is why India’s present unbeaten streak of 17 matches needs to be lauded. Three countries have unbeaten streaks longer than that – West Indies (27 matches from 1982 – 84), England (26 from 1968 – 71 and 18 from 1959 - 61) and Australia (18 from 1999 – 01 and 22 from 2005-08).

Many different reasons contribute to a team’s unbeaten streak – a bit of luck, home games, good players, good form and some good conditions. India has enjoyed a 17-match unbeaten streak previously from 1985 -87 (a spectacular streak considering they drew three Tests in Australia and won 2 and drew 1 in England) and a 15-match streak from 1979 – 80.

However, the present streak is special, given it came under a young and inexperienced captain with a side that is still trying to find the right balance. Here are some reasons why India have managed to stay strong for so long. The streak started with India winning against Sri Lanka in August 2015 and has extended all the way until now.

That was also Virat Kohli’s first Test win after losing two matches, one each in Australia and Sri Lanka.

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#1 11 home games

11 of the 17 matches in the current streak were played in India. Two more came in Sri Lanka, while four matches were in West Indies. While that shouldn’t belittle the impressiveness of the streak, it helps that a team plays under familiar conditions.

Home game advantage is especially massive in Test cricket. India were slightly fortunate in that games in Sri Lanka came under sub-continental conditions and the only away tour to West Indies was against a side that isn’t exactly on top of the form-chart. An oft-ignored aspect is the bench strength – which is always more impressive for home games, given players are more easily available to perform under home conditions.

#2 Ashwin’s resurgence and Jadeja’s accuracy

Ashwin has been a vital component in Indian’s recent success

India’s fabulous streak owes a lot to the resurgence in form of Ashwin who remodelled his action, fixed some chinks in his bowling, worked with his coaches and came back sharper and more consistent and skilful. In Jadeja, he found a trusted aide who can bottle it up from one end.

Jadeja and Ashwin are second and third in terms of lowest bowling averages in the last 24 months, amongst bowlers with more than 30 wickets. Since 20^th August 2015, Ashwin has picked up 114 wickets at 19.39, with 13 5-wicket hauls, 33 clear of the next highest wicket-taker, Rangana Herath. Jadeja is third with 59 wickets at an average of 21.22. The spin-twins have picked enough wickets between them to help India not lose matches for more than a year.

#3 Lower order contributions

Jadeja has contributed with the bat and ball

Lower order contributions can deflate the opposition and always change balance and equations. India’s unbeaten streak owes itself to the Indian tail which has been extremely productive. Since 20^th August 2015, Indian lower order (8-11) has contributed 1471 runs at 26.74 in 56 innings.

Only England has more runs – 1757. However, those came in 97 innings at 18.89. The second highest lower-order average is 20.19 by New Zealand, way behind India’s average. During this time, India has managed to post 2 century and 4 half-century partnerships. We also need to mention an important fact that Ashwin has played quite a few matches at No.6 allowing India to play the extra bowler.

#4 The captain’s form

Kohli has time and again shown his class

The captain’s form is crucial to a team’s chances given his confidence rubs off on other players. India has been lucky that way with a strong and aggressive captain who is in the form of his life with the bat. Kohli scored three double centuries this year, one of only five players to have ever done that in the history of cricket.

Since 20^th August 2015, Kohli has scored 1527 runs at 61.08 with 4 centuries and 4 half-centuries. Only Cook amongst the captains has more – 1785 runs at 46.97. The Indian captain’s average is second only to Steve Smith who has 1409 runs at 64.04.

Kohli also received his captaincy after the high he experienced with the bat in Australia with four centuries, despite India losing the series 0-2. That confidence has helped him carry his team on the shoulders despite being a batsman short on many occasions.

#5 Centuries and five-wicket hauls

Pujara is one of the 8 batsmen who have scored centuries during the unbeaten record

India has posted excellent batting and bowling averages since 20^th August 2015, with 8 players scoring 21 centuries in total during the current unbeaten streak, the second highest behind Australia’s 25. India has the most number of five-wicket hauls, 19, thanks to Ashwin’s red-hot form.

South Africa is second, way behind, with 10 five-wicket hauls. In terms of bowling average, India, impressively, once again, has the second lowest with an average of 24.34. Only Bangladesh has a lower average – 23.52, but they played just 2 Tests compared to India’s 18, second only to England. South Africa has the third lowest average, way above India’s – 28.26.

In terms of runs scored, India has the second highest batting average, 39.15 (second only to Australia’s 40.17) with 8928 runs, second only to England’s 12187 runs.

So, India has done well with the bat and ball, showing that they have not played all their games on batsman-friendly or bowler-friendly pitches.