The 2020-21 India Tour of Australia is regarded as one of the most remarkable and historic series in the history of Test cricket. India achieved the unimaginable during the series, particularly with their epic victory at the Gabba in Brisbane, which was considered a fortress for Australia. Here’s a detailed look at the incredible feats and standout performances from that tour:

Australia’s Fortress: Going into the final Test at the Gabba, Australia had not lost a Test match at this venue since 1988. The ground was famously known as a place where the Australian team was unbeaten in 32 years. Australia had been dominant at home, and the Indian team was up against it, especially after their collapse to 36 all-out in Adelaide in the first Test.

Chasing 324 Runs on the Final Day: On the final day of the fourth Test in Brisbane, India needed 324 runs to win. It was an audacious task, given the pressure of the series, the hostile Australian bowling attack, and the fact that India was without key players like Virat Kohli (who returned home after the first Test) and Mohammad Shami (who was injured early on in the series).

The Unimaginable Victory: India, under Ajinkya Rahane and later Rishabh Pant, defied the odds to chase down the target successfully. Rishabh Pant’s remarkable innings of 89* was the cornerstone of India’s victory, helping them reach the target on the final day.

Series Win 2-1: The victory in Brisbane sealed the series for India with a 2-1 win. This win is remembered as one of the greatest Test match victories of all time, especially considering India’s depleted squad and the adversity they faced throughout the tour. India’s triumph in Australia was a huge statement of resilience, skill, and mental toughness.

Adelaide Test: The second Test in Adelaide in 2020 was India’s first-ever Day-Night Test overseas. Playing in the unfamiliar pink-ball format away from home was a big challenge, but India adapted well.

Rishabh Pant’s Performance: Rishabh Pant, who had already been in good form during the series, was again a key figure in India’s batting line-up, playing match-winning roles and making substantial contributions.

The Pink Ball Test: Despite being newcomers to the pink-ball format away from home, India put up a solid fight, and the match ended in a draw, but it helped India prepare for the challenges posed by playing under lights and added a unique milestone to their record.

India joined an elite club of countries that have won back-to-back Test series in Australia. Before India, only England, West Indies, and South Africa had achieved this feat.

India’s victory in the 2018-19 series in Australia, followed by the 2020-21 series win, was an exceptional achievement. The 2020-21 series win was even more remarkable because it was achieved in the absence of several key players, making it one of the most memorable series wins in cricket history.

274 Runs: Rishabh Pant finished the series as India’s highest run-scorer with 274 runs in the four-match series. He played several crucial innings that turned the tide in India’s favor, especially his match-winning knock in the fourth Test at the Gabba.

India’s Best Wicketkeeper in Australia: Pant also set a new record by becoming the Indian wicketkeeper with the most runs in Australia in Tests. His ability to handle pressure, take on Australian bowlers, and deliver when it mattered most made him one of the standout players of the series.

Pant’s Growing Legacy: Pant’s performances throughout the series, particularly in Australia, cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young wicketkeeper-batsmen in world cricket.

Net Bowler to International Debut: One of the most unexpected and inspiring stories of the tour was T. Natarajan, who was initially a net bowler. After India’s fast bowlers succumbed to injuries during the series, Natarajan, a left-arm pacer from Tamil Nadu, was called up to make his debut in the second Test.

Debut in All Formats: Natarajan made his debut in Test cricket, and later also debuted in ODIs and T20Is during the tour. His rise from being a net bowler to representing India in all three formats was nothing short of a fairy tale. He played an important role in India’s bowling attack, picking up crucial wickets and showing immense composure under pressure.

Natarajan’s Impact: His performances were key to India’s success, especially in the absence of Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah at various stages of the series. He became a symbol of the Indian team’s fighting spirit.

Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership: Rahane took over the leadership duties after Virat Kohli’s departure and led India to a historic victory in Melbourne, where India bounced back after their 36 all-out in Adelaide.

Mohammad Siraj’s breakthrough: Mohammad Siraj emerged as one of India’s key bowlers in the series, picking up wickets in all four Tests and showing incredible maturity for a player making his debut in such a high-stakes series.

Shubman Gill’s contributions: Shubman Gill played several crucial innings, including a vital knock in the final Test at the Gabba, where his 91-run partnership with Pant helped India to the brink of victory.

India’s Determination: Throughout the series, India faced numerous challenges, from injuries to key players to a hostile Australian team. However, they displayed incredible mental strength and resilience, fighting back after being 1-0 down following the Adelaide Test and the shocking 36 all-out.

Teamwork: The series win was truly a team effort. Each player contributed at different stages, from Rahane’s leadership to Pant’s heroics, Siraj’s bowling and Natarajan’s debut performances. This victory was a testament to India’s depth and the team spirit that transcended individual performances.

The 2020-21 India Tour of Australia was one of the most remarkable and dramatic Test series in cricket history. India’s 2-1 series victory over Australia, clinched with a historic win at the Gabba, was a defining moment for Indian cricket. It was a series that showcased incredible resilience, with performances from players like Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, and Mohammad Siraj, as well as the unexpected rise of T. Natarajan. This win not only broke Australia’s fortress but also confirmed India’s place as a true Test cricket powerhouse, capable of dominating in foreign conditions.