Without taking the credit away from a bunch of rookies, who created history by snatching the greatest ever series victory for India at the Gabba in Brisbane, one cannot forget Virat Kohli’s contribution in inculcating both self-belief and confidence in the boys. Ajinkya Rahane captained the side in Kohli’s absence and exhibited that he too was a born leader and could take the ball on his chin during the most challenging circumstances. He is an extremely gifted cricketer who has shown results when it mattered, while maintaining a low profile. However, as coach Ravi Shastri said after the win that the team led by Rahane “embodies what Kohli stands for on the cricket field. You must give credit to Virat. He may not be here but his character, his personality and stamp, is there for everyone to see”.
Like Rome was not built in a day, the success was not achieved overnight. It is the result of hard work and process that started five to six years ago. Kohli has shown professional acumen both as a cricketer and leader of men, inspiring a whole generation of young cricketers, like Sachin Tendulkar had before him. Therefore, this needless controversy that has been started by a section of media pitting Kohli and Rahane against each other is totally uncalled for. They are part of the same team and are likely to share many more successes together. Kohli is back as the captain for the England tour and Rahane, like earlier, will be his deputy. There is also no doubt that at present, Kohli is the greatest batsman in the world and his presence is an asset for the team. Along with Ravi Shastri and an efficient support staff, he has motivated the boys. Thus, Team India is destined to go places.
The rookies who breached the Gabba fortress, are the future of the Indian cricket. It is evident that India’s great cricketing depth is now coming to fore. The renaissance of Indian cricket started exactly 50 years ago when Dilip Sardesai showed the way with his double century in the West Indies, inspiring Sunil Gavaskar to begin his glorious Test career. Gavaskar, to my mind, is arguably the best batsman India has had, notwithstanding Tendulkar’s feats. Similarly, the contribution of Rahul Dravid has never been highlighted. He was the wall and his role was emulated in the Brisbane Test by Cheteshwar Pujara, who by taking body blows from the bouncers, paved the way for the magnificent win along with Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar and other unsung heroes.
There have been cricketing moments that get etched in one’s memory. The two World Cup victories, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s inspiring leadership, Saurav Ganguly’s confidence and V.V.S. Laxman’s batting wizardry and the swashbuckling triple century by Virendra Sehwag in Multan besides the bowling exploits of Kapil Dev, Bishen Bedi, Prasanna, Chandrashekhar and Anil Kumble can never be forgotten.
The Gabba carnage of the Aussies will be long remembered and by winning the series in such a convincing manner, Team India has made the country proud. As the Times of India headline said, “No one Believed They Could, They Did”. That is what new India is all about.
