INDIA’S HUMILIATING LOSS against Australia at Adelaide in the first Test of the series Down Under provided enough ammunition for many former cricketers to write the team’s epitaph. “No chance,” they proclaimed after the second innings scorecard read an embarrassing ‘36 for nine’ (one player was retired hurt), with skipper Virat Kohli scheduled to go on a paternity break thereafter.
Exactly a month since that defeat, they’ve been forced to eat humble pie. India won two of the next three Tests—including at ‘Fortress Gabba’ where the Aussies hadn’t lost a five-day game in 32 years—to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Amid setbacks and a spate of injuries to multiple players, the team displayed its resilient face and the tenacity to win against all odds.
Stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane led from the front—his magnificent 112 in the second Test at Melbourne was instrumental in India leveling the series—with his cool demeanor, while the youngsters raised their hands and stood up to the occasion. From opening batsman Shubman Gill to pacer Mohammed Siraj, they showed the world they are ready for a fight, they are unafraid of challenges, and that a new India has emerged on the cricketing scene.
Here are some of the young architects of India’s win:
SHUBMAN GILL
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