Two weeks after India’s historic Test series victory Down Under, batting legend VVS Laxman revealed that he broke down in tears when the Ajinkya Rahane-led side beat Australia at the Gabba to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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Chasing 328 to win in the fourth innings, the visitors rode on Shubman Gill’s classy 91, Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 and Cheteshwar Pujara’s gritty 56 to get over the line in Brisbane.
Speaking to Boria Majumdar on Sports Today, Laxman said he was watching the final day's play with his family and emotions got the better of him when Pant hit the winning boundary.
"There is no doubt about it. In fact, I became very emotional. I was watching the last day and following it along with my family. When Rishabh and Washington were batting, I got very tense myself because when you’re not playing the game, you’re not in control.
"I just wanted India to beat Australia and win the series, especially after what has happened in Adelaide and what had happened before the Gabba Test match where everyone was talking about Indians are scared of going to Brisbane where Australia hadn’t lost in a long time," he stated.
Laxman further disclosed that it was the second time he cried after India won an important match.
"Twice I cried, once in 2011 when India lifted the World Cup because I always wanted to be part of a World Cup-winning team and I played alongside this group of players who were so close to me and they went on to realise their dream of winning the World Cup.
"And I always wanted to beat Australia in Australia, I was not able to do that as a cricketer. I was so proud that this young Indian did that. Tears came down my eyes. Words cannot express what a wonderful, inspirational achievement not only for cricket but for the entire country," he remarked.
It was a remarkable series win for Team India considering the fact that they were bowled out for 36 in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval.
Despite the unavailability of regular skipper Virat Kohli due to paternity leave, the tourists bounced back emphatically to register a series-levelling eight-wicket victory at the MCG while they pulled off a famous draw in the third Test at SCG by batting out 131 overs.
