Team India have impressed one and all with their fighting spirit in the ongoing Test series on Australian soil.
Despite being hit by a number of injuries and the unavailability of many star players, including regular skipper Virat Kohli for the major part of the series, the visiting Indian side have kept their hopes alive of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Having seen the India team’s mental resolve and courage in this series, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar on Monday (January 18) came up with a befitting tribute for the Ajinkya Rahane-led unit.
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"It doesn't matter what happens here at the Gabba over these final two days. We Indians can and will be truly proud of our cricketers. I have led Indian teams on tours of Australia and no first hand, just how challenging it can be. But what we have witnessed in this series is something extraordinary," Gavaskar told 7Cricket.
"The tour has tested India not just physically but mentally as well. They have been living in a bio-bubble since their arrival from the UAE in November last year after spending nearly 3 months in a bio-secure environment at the IPL 2020.
"The resolve, fortitude and spirit displayed by these players has been inspiring. Most have been away from home and in the horrid team for over five months. They have been routed in the most crushing way and with the world watching," he added.
After suffering a humiliating defeat in the series opener at Adelaide, Team India bounced back emphatically to register an eight-wicket victory at MCG before drawing the third Test in Sydney by batting out 131 overs in the second innings.
In the ongoing fourth Test at the Gabba, the tourists have made 336 in the first innings in response to Australia’s 369.
Hailing Team India’s great character to overcome the numerous injury blows and bubble fatigue, Gavaskar further said: "They have seen friends battered and broken. They have been tested to their mental and cricketing limits at every turn, every minute. And even under that most intense train, they have never stopped fighting. And they may still somehow manage to take the trophy home."
"A trophy that was named to honour me and the great Allan Border. A captain who embodied everything we have seen in this series- mental toughness and skill. I know you Australians respect that most of all in yourself and your opponents. And I know you will always remember what these Indians have achieved this summer," he concluded.
