On this day in 2021, the Indian cricket team, led by Ajinkya Rahane, created history by winning a Test match at the Gabba, Brisbane, beating Australia in their fortress. With Virat Kohli back home after the first Test against the Aussies, it was Rahane who led the troops, inspiring a young brigade with the likes of Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj to secure what went down in the history books as one of India’s finest Test triumphs.
While the Border-Gavaskar series went in India’s favour, the touring team wasn’t expected to produce a performance of this category, especially after they were bowled out for just 36 runs in the Adelaide Pink Ball Test.
The iconic commentary “Toota Hai Gabba Ka Ghamand”
The heart beat of Indian cricket fans. pic.twitter.com/sqXgbQr5ue
” Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 19, 2024
Here’s what experts, including former Australian and England stars, had said after India’s horror show in the Day-Night Test:
Michael Clarke: Can you imagine this Indian batting line-up without Virat Kohli for the next two Test matches? They are in deep trouble.
Ricky Ponting: There could be a good chance (of a whitewash)… With Kohli not being there… there’s almost no one to pick them up after a loss like that.
Mark Waugh: I Just can’t see how they can bounce back after Australia white-washed them on the third day (in Adelaide)… four-nil to Australia.
Michael Vaughan: Told ya… India are going to get hammered in the Test series… #AUSvIND #4-0.
Brad Haddin: I thought their (India’s) only opportunity to win a Test match was at Adelaide… I don’t think they’ll be able to turn it around.
Experts after India were bowled out for 36.
– Nobody thought India would win the series and breach the Gabba fortress. pic.twitter.com/PWBJO07xvD
” Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 19, 2024
While most experts predicted a 4-0 sweep to Australia, it was the Indian team that emerged victorious 2-1, with the Melbourne Test being the only one that didn’t produce a result. Even today, the echoes of India’s famous victory Down Under are heard across the cricketing spectrum.
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