New Delhi, Jan 19: Team India put up yet another display of grit and resilience as it retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after an enthralling three-wicket win over Australia in the final Test on Tuesday (January 19) at the Gabba, in Brisbane.
Led by Shubman Gill (91), Rishabh Pant (89 not out) and Cheteshwar Pujara (56), India incredibly passed their target of 328 in the late minutes of day five and ended Australia's 32-year-long unbeaten streak at The Gabba.
India vs Australia 4th Test: Fearless India conquer Gabba, Aussies for historic 2-1 series triumph
Ajinkya Rahane and his spirited band of boys wrapped up a 2-1 series victory and ended Australia's stellar record at the Gabba, where they were unbeaten in their previous 31 Tests.
Pat Cummins (4-55) was the pick of Australia's bowlers, but India managed the third-highest successful chase in their history and highest at the Gabba.
Rishabh Pant hit the winning runs for the tourists as they won the match with 18 balls to spare. Rohit Sharma (7) fell early after edging Cummins behind, but Gill and Pujara blunted the Australia attack with a 114-run partnership.
India vs Australia 4th Test: Rishabh Pant says biggest moment in his life after Gabba win
Gill was the aggressor, while Pujara survived a tight lbw review off Nathan Lyon (2-85) when on just two.
Lyon had Gill caught by Steve Smith at first slip before Cummins removed Ajinkya Rahane following the captain's 22-ball 24.
The second new ball brought a much-needed breakthrough for Australia as Cummins finally got Pujara lbw, but Pant continued to impress. As the dangerous Pant passed 50, Mayank Agarwal (9) survived following a review for a caught behind, but he scooped Cummins to Matthew Wade at short cover the following ball.
Washington Sundar (22 off 29) came and went, but Pant saw India to a remarkable win. His wicketkeeping often questioned, Pant produced the match-winning innings on the final day - and he timed it to perfection.
Just three overs were left when India wrapped up their victory, Pant perfectly choosing when to attack and keeping his composure as late wickets fell to lead India to a famous win.
Here's how the world reacted to Team India's incredible win Down Under as a jinx was broken and Australia's dominance ended.
19 Dec 2020: India all out for 36
— ICC (@ICC) January 19, 2021
19 Jan 2021: India breach The Gabba fortress#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/P0sh5zsmtJ
Historic series win for Team India! Youngsters delivered when it mattered, with Gilll and Pant in the forefront. Hats off to Ravi Shastri and the support staff for their part in this turnaround! So so proud of this bunch, this is one for the ages👏👏👏 #AUSvsIND
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 19, 2021
EVERY SESSION WE DISCOVERED A NEW HERO.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 19, 2021
Every time we got hit, we stayed put & stood taller. We pushed boundaries of belief to play fearless but not careless cricket. Injuries & uncertainties were countered with poise & confidence. One of the greatest series wins!
Congrats India. pic.twitter.com/ZtCChUURLV
WHAT A WIN!!! Yessssss. To everyone who doubted us after Adelaide, stand up and take notice. Exemplary performance but the grit and determination was the standout for us the whole way. Well done to all the boys and the management. Enjoy this historic feat lads. Cheers 👏🏼🇮🇳 @BCCI pic.twitter.com/CgWElgOOO1
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 19, 2021
Just a remarkable win...To go to Australia and win a test series in this way ..will be remembered in the history of indian cricket forever ..Bcci announces a 5 cr bonus for the team ..The value of this win is beyond any number ..well done to every member of the touring party..
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) January 19, 2021
Proud and privileged to be a part of this side! 🇮🇳 #jaihind pic.twitter.com/tB770Vd9ze
— Hanuma vihari (@Hanumavihari) January 19, 2021
Good evening from Gabba!! I am sorry I couldn’t play here but thanks for hosting us and playing some hard cricket during these tough times. We will remember this series forever! @tdpaine36 @CricketAus
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 19, 2021
What a victory for @BCCI! Team India is the best test team in world cricket today!Hats off to everyone in the team to achieve what looked like impossible! Special mentions to @RishabhPant17,@Natarajan_91, #SirajMohammed @RealShubmanGill @cheteshwar1 & @Sundarwashi5 #AUSvIND
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) January 19, 2021
India had many players injured, but what has been injured more has been the Australian arrogance & pride.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 19, 2021
The test series has been like a movie with every member of Indian Team being a hero & some of them Superheroes.
Spiderman Spiderman tune churaya dil ka chain @RishabhPant17 pic.twitter.com/5psVFjp5Ww
This is what a billion goosebumps feel like! Proud Indian! 🇮🇳 #INDvsAUS
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 19, 2021
Biggest series win for Team India! Period!! #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/kHK56xsSN2
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 19, 2021
Two back to back series wins IN Australia 🤯 Hats off to this team! #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/qYNkd4Kkpi
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 19, 2021
Congrats to the Indian cricket team @BCCI That’s one of the best series wins I can ever remember on Aust soil & to do it after being bowled out for 36, plus a depleted squad-shows tremendous character, resilience, courage & belief. Just fantastic @RaviShastriOfc @ajinkyarahane88
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 19, 2021
Only issue with India beating Australia in such an INCREDIBLE manner, is that the Test was played in Brisbane.
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 19, 2021
A city that doesn’t deserve an event so good! 🤣
Pant - the boy who turned into a man today in Australia, in cricketing terms!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Rishabh Pant is a freaking superstar. #AUSvIND
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 19, 2021
No longer the Gabbatoir. This is history.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 19, 2021
India create wonder Down Under!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 19, 2021