Dhoni and Co. richly deserve top billing

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Compelling action was spread over ten days even as the nuances of tight Test match cricket were revisited. The most eagerly anticipated series finished the way it started, with India dispelling all doubts on who deserves the No. 1 Test status. The Australians did not hit Indian shores with their best side but that should take nothing away from India's exciting 2-0 win.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has come to be India's domain with four of the last five Tests going in India's favour. The Aussies are a poor reflection of what they were. After the pulsating win in Mohali, the hosts did not put a foot wrong in Bengaluru, incidentally the least favoured venue for Dhoni and Co. The script could not have been more perfect for the best Test side in the world. Here are some reasons that made India hot in the series.

The never ending Sachin saga: The ageless wonder from Mumbai, like fine Scotch whisky, is getting better with every passing year. The manner in which he controlled both the matches is a tribute to his acute understanding of the game. Talent is of minimal use at the international level unless one has the mental toughness and cricketing intelligence to go with it and Tendulkar keeps proving why.

Zaheer and Ishant’s swinging success: The first Test was going the visitors' way until Zaheer and Ishant found conventional and later reverse swing at the right time to lift the team. A difficult situation turned into a hopeful one thanks to the duo.

Laxman continuing to be very very special: The most underrated player in the world gave another glimpse of what he has to offer when the team actually requires it. The back problems did not stop Laxman from essaying one of his better knocks under pressure. Anyone who said his time is up only continue to eat humble pie.

Vijay and Pujara grab their chances: When fans asked what after the holy trinity, the concerns were real. Pujara and Vijay have put all that to rest. Followers of the traditional format can heave a sigh of relief as the two youngsters have given good evidence of what they are capable of. Ability to play their natural game during a tricky chase augurs well for the future.

Ojha and Harbhajan come to the party: The Sardar has been in a fix. Not getting enough behind the ball led to loss in venom and later confidence. But when it mattered most on a crumbling pitch, Ojha came good and Harbhajan followed suit. The bowling combination never wore a healthier look.

Captain cool: Dhoni continues to work his magic. Pundits might not agree with all his tactics but the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. Only Sourav Ganguly and Mohammed Azharuddin have more Test wins than Dhoni. Ganguly had 21 wins in 49 Tests while Dhoni already has 11 wins from 18 games, enviable indeed. The felicity with which he has got the best out of his players needs to be commended. Dhoni continues to burn the manual with his street smart approach and no one is complaining.