What an extraordinary turn of events. Events that told us how one can explode with unlimited potential with just self-belief.
Yes, there was a lack of experience but there was a lack of fear too. Yes, the track was deteriorating, conditions were getting difficult to bat, the rain gods were just waiting on the edge but nothing could deter the young men’s exuberance and passion to excel.
Somehow it felt like a 90ie IND team or as we call it – dada’s team. This team had that same flare and character. It felt like these boys represented us – the middle class. The captain was like the head of the family who toiled hard each day. Quiet, cool, thinking, never letting others feel the pressure. The youngsters of the family were a little mischievous but worked hard when the time came. Tough times only brought the family together. Whether you worked in the front or you worked in the background, all celebrated every success, together. Just like Bumrah hugging Siraj for 5 wicket hall. It just somehow made us believe that this team represents us- the common man of India; who may not be extraordinary and the world won’t give us enough credit but when our backs are to the wall, the never-give-up attitude just shines.
It mattered to them because it was up to them. It mattered to them because most of these boys have sacrificed a lot. This series shouldn’t be remembered for Aus sledding an injured batsman but should be remembered for the tears shed by Siraj. This series shouldn’t be remembered for bad crowd behavior but it should be itched in our hearts for Pujara, standing tall after each blow. This series shouldn’t be remembered for the quarantine bubble or Indian players ordering food at restaurants but it should be remembered for the spark of Mr. Gill, Mr. Pant, Mr. W Sundar, and Mr. S Thakur. It should not be remembered for VK’s parental leave but should be remembered for Ajinkya Rahane’s calm face while seeing his mates bat the final session. It should be remembered for Ajinkya’s handing over the trophy to Natarajan or for handing over a signed Indian jersey to Nathon. It shouldn’t be remembered for the predictions by major Aussie legends of 4-0 whitewash but it should be looked upon as an example of resilience- the final stand by Vihari, Ashwin, and Jadeja.
Uff there is so much to remember this test series by.
But in all this, except the sledding incident, I think we still must hand it to Aussies who were pushing IND to produce that spark, that extra thing to win. They didn’t hand it over to IND as a Christmas gift. They asked tough questions and we found answers – sometimes in Pant, sometimes in partnership with immobile Vihari and pain-ridden Ashwin, and sometimes in the flurry of Sundar and Thakur.
Then I chanced upon an article that somehow made sense. These young boys thanking none other than the wall – our Rahul Dravid. It feels good that his efforts are strengthening the roots of India. What a bench strength we have now.
But overall, it feels like we have arrived with a smile on our faces.
We have arrived at that stage where there shouldn’t be any outcry for dropping a player because we all know; all it takes is one chance.