On this day, Indian cricket fans witnessed one of the most remarkable Test victories in history. Rishabh Pant played a knock for the ages, helping India conquer Australia's Gabba fortress. This win secured India's second consecutive Test series victory on Australian soil.
The Unlikely Triumph
India achieved this series win despite facing immense challenges. The team lost several senior players over the course of the tour due to injuries and personal reasons. Meanwhile, Australia largely possessed a full-strength squad throughout the series.
Many considered India's 2018/19 series win in Australia as highly significant. However, the 2020/21 victory might hold an even more special place in fans' hearts. This triumph saw India become the first team to beat Australia at the Gabba since Viv Richards's West Indies side in 1988.
Overcoming Adversity
The tour presented numerous obstacles for the Indian team. Captain Virat Kohli returned home after the first Test for the birth of his child. India suffered a humiliating defeat in that opening match, getting bowled out for just 36 runs. Many wrote off India's chances after that performance.
Remarkably, that turned out to be the only Test India lost during the entire series. The team entered the fourth and final Test at the Gabba with the series level at 1-1, setting up a dramatic decider.
The Gabba Test Unfolds
Australia won the toss and chose to bat first in the crucial match. Marnus Labuschagne scored 108 runs, helping Australia post a total of 369 in their first innings. India faced trouble early in their response, reduced to 186/6 at one stage.
Then came a remarkable partnership between debutant Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur. Their 123-run stand for the seventh wicket brought India back into contention. India finished just 33 runs behind Australia's first innings total.
Bowling Heroics
Mohammed Siraj emerged as India's bowling hero in just his third Test match. With all of India's senior pacers injured, Siraj shouldered the responsibility brilliantly. He claimed five wickets for 73 runs, dismissing key batsmen including Labuschagne and Steve Smith.
Shardul Thakur followed his batting contribution with an impressive four-wicket haul. Australia's second innings ended with India needing 328 runs to win the match and series.
The Historic Chase
Day five began with India at 4/0 after just 1.5 overs. Debutant Shubman Gill opened alongside Rohit Sharma. After Rohit's early departure, Gill formed a crucial partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara.
Their 114-run stand featured contrasting styles. Pujara displayed immense patience, facing 123 deliveries for his 26 runs. Meanwhile, Gill played more aggressively, scoring 80 runs from 117 balls before falling just short of a debut century.
Pant Takes Center Stage
When Rishabh Pant arrived at the crease, India still needed nearly 200 runs. The wicketkeeper-batsman immediately took control of the situation. Pant never appeared interested in merely playing for a draw. Instead, he launched a calculated assault on the Australian bowling attack.
Despite losing partners at the other end, Pant maintained his aggressive approach. His 53-run partnership with Washington Sundar came from just 55 balls and virtually sealed victory for India.
The Winning Moment
As the match reached its climax, Pant remained composed under pressure. With wickets falling around him, he kept India on track for victory. Finally, in the 97th over, Pant smashed Josh Hazlewood's delivery to the long-off boundary for four runs.
Those runs secured India's historic win at the Gabba. The victory came against an experienced Australian side, while India fielded a bowling lineup that had played only eight Tests combined.
This remarkable achievement demonstrated India's incredible depth and resilience. The team overcame numerous challenges to secure a memorable series victory that will be cherished by cricket fans for generations.
