An Even Newer India
The Times of India Delhi|January 25, 2021
HIGH DOWN UNDER: The most remarkable thing about the Indian victory against Australia at Gabba was the fact that it was achieved without a trace of anger
Santosh Desai
An Even Newer India

It was a truly remarkable win. It was the kind of victory that strikes awe into the hearts of rivals and makes poets out of prose writers. The kind that every takes every cliche in a sports movie beyond its limits of credulity and still has a surprise or two up its sleeve. One that has many heroes, but no protagonists, at least not in a conventional sense.

If Australia played with the memory of being able to intimidate any team into submission, India played by not remembering. That they had lost almost a full team-load of their top players. That they were fielding a bowling side, which had a combined experience of three test matches. That they were playing at Gabba, the place where international teams come to die. That they were without services of their captain who also happened to be the best batsman in the world. That they had just a few weeks ago lost humiliatingly by posting their lowest total in all their 88 years of test history.

Australia should have won the series easily. But India bounced back by winning the second test and then pulled off a truly gritty draw against all odds in the third. They were meant to lose in Gabba and there would have been little shame in that. But the young team forgot to read the script.

There is nothing sadder than a bully who can’t back up his words. One ends up looking foolish, and more damagingly, pathetic. Australia tried everything in their book, from petty sledging to physical intimidation, leaving no tail-ender unscathed. They injured several batsmen, causing a few to have to drop out of the series and battered a few others. Nothing worked.

This story is from the January 25, 2021 edition of The Times of India Delhi.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 25, 2021 edition of The Times of India Delhi.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIA DELHIView All
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
The Times of India

Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?

From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
The Times of India

Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134

American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
The Times of India

India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field

Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
The Times of India

SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc

‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Fury's Ground Xiro
The Times of India

Fury's Ground Xiro

Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The Times of India

Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye

The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
The Times of India

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
The Times of India

Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told

Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
The Times of India

Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future

Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
The Times of India

Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal

He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022