8 reasons why the Indian cricket team has struggle overseas in recent times

Over the years, India have emerged as a dominant side in world cricket. Currently, they stand at #1 in Test Cricket, whereas in ODI and T20 cricket they are at #2. The Virat Kohli Army is also a contender to lift the World Cup next year, which is to be held in England.

However, the World Cup is not the only major challenge for the Men in Blue. The tour Down Under is what's on everyone's mind, and the players, fans and management have just one question in mind: will Team India finally win a Test series in Australia?

This year, India have played two overseas tours, one against South Africa and one against England. They gave a tough fight to the home team in both countries, but they failed to get over the line because of their shortcomings outside the subcontinent in Test cricket.

Let us look more closely at Team India's travelling woes in the longest format of the game.

#1 Openers' failures

The biggest reason why India have not managed to get over the line overseas is the fact that the openers have not given the team the start they need.

In the two overseas tours this year, the Indian openers have put together an opening stand of 50 runs only thrice. Two of them came in the same match where India found themselves victorious against England.

The openers have to step up and give the team an excellent start if they are to win matches overseas.

#2 Cheteshwar Pujara unable to convert starts

Cheteshwar Pujara

When you see Cheteshwar Pujara, you expect that he will play an entire session out. You assume that he will give others an opportunity to play better as the ball gets older and stops doing as much as the new ball.

But while Pujara got starts in these tours, he failed to convert them into big scores.

He bats at No. 3 for India, and when you're batting at such an important position, you need to convert your starts into much more. Pujara’s failure to do so has also been a major factor in India's fruitless overseas stint.

#3 Ajinkya Rahane’s lost form

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane was considered India's best overseas player at one point of time because of his strong performances. He was the spearhead of the Indian batting and because of him, India posted big runs on the board.

But now, things have drastically changed for Jinx as he has been in terrible form lately. And that is another reason why India have failed to cross the line even after fighting hard.

Rahane averaged 27 on the recently concluded England tour. Against South Africa, earlier this year, he averaged close to 29. If the Men in Blue are to win overseas matches, Jinx has to step up his game and score more for the team.

#4 Lack of fast bowling all-rounder

Another problem India face when they play overseas tours is that they do not have a reliable fast bowling all-rounder in their side, because of which the team balance takes a toll as well.

India have tried Hardik Pandya as a solution to this quandary, but he has not stepped up as consistently as the management would want him to.

#5 Lack of batting depth

There is an evident lack of depth in the Indian batting department. They usually go in with six proper batsmen, which includes a wicketkeeper as well.

But the tailenders often fail to contribute with the bat, and the onus is always on the top six to score all the runs for the team. The Indian batting seems to end at six batsmen, which is not enough to win the series overseas.

#6 Bowlers failing to wrap up the opposition's tail cheaply

Jasprit Bumrah has been good, but even he hasn't been able to dismiss tailenders cheaply

If there is one thing that has been promising for Team India in the away tours, it is the bowling department. Indian bowlers have stepped up like never before, and they are a huge factor why Kohli's men now go in as strong contenders on overseas tours.

The bowlers have regularly done the job of getting the top order out easily. However, if there is one thing that is lacking in the bowling department, it is their inability to wrap up the opposition's tail cheaply.

Especially this year, the opposition's tail has been the difference between the two sides. The marginal defeats that India have had to face have mostly happened because the home side’s tail piled up runs for their team.

If India are to win Test series overseas, especially in Australia, they need to wrap up the tail with minimal damage taken.

#7 Slip catching

Slip catching has been one of the major reasons why India have suffered in the field. The Indian slip cordon has been average over the years, which is costing them dearly. They have not held on to the chances created by the bowlers, and have let easy catches down as well.

Not only does this add runs for the opposition on the scoreboard, but it is also the reason why India have time and again failed to win matches. The slip cordon needs to be alert and should be taking all the chances if India have to get on to winning ways outside the subcontinent.

#8 Virat Kohli’s team selection

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s team selection is another reason why India haven't been as successful in Test cricket abroad.

On the field and as a batsman, there is no doubt that Kohli is a supremely valuable player. But when it comes to choosing the best combination, he has not always displayed the best judgment.

Constant chopping and changing of the playing XI and regularly tinkering with the combination has had a major impact on the batsmen, making the team lose matches which they could have easily won. Right selection of the team and combination is the most important thing you need to take care of if a team has to win matches away from home.