The tour to Australia is sure to produce a new hero for India
The Australian tour is often the toughest challenge in world cricket, testing players against world-class opposition, rock-hard pitches, sprawling outfields, hostile crowds and an unrelenting media. However, some Indian players have passed the fire test and emerged with flying colours.
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Sachin Tendulkar & Javagal Srinath (1991-92): India’s five-Test series in Australia was a 4-0 thrashing to forget. However, he found two star legends. Sachin Tendulkar, the 18-year-old prodigy, announced himself with an unbeaten star 148 in Sydney and a brave 114 on the bouncy Perth track. His 368 was the highest for India in the series.
Srinath bowled with pace and bounce, showing great promise. Although 10 wickets at 55.30 do not reflect his impact, he displayed the raw talent that will make him India’s spearhead.
VVS Laxman (1999-2000): In the midst of a disappointing series, VVS Laxman carved out one of his best knocks. His impressive 167 off 198 balls at the SCG was due to his elegance and dominance against a formidable Australian attack. It was a counter-attacking masterpiece that earned the respect of fans and opponents alike.
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Irfan Pathan (2003-04): At the age of 19, Irfan Pathan made his debut in the second Test in Adelaide on the 2003-04 tour. Bowling with reverse swing and precision, he defied legends like Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist, showing immense potential despite his low returns (4 wickets at 66.50).
Virender Sehwag (2003-04): Known for his daring strokeplay, Sehwag saved the MCG with a swashbuckling 195 off 233 balls. Although he missed out on his second ton, his knock left an indelible mark, cementing his reputation as a fearless opener.
Ishant Sharma (2007-08): Ishant Sharma, all of 19, produced one of the most memorable spells at the WACA, tormenting Ricky Ponting with pace, bounce, and relentless accuracy and eventually eliminating the Australian captain in two innings. This fiery spell not only helped India win the Test but also changed the trajectory of Ishant’s career.
Cheteshwar Pujara (2018-19): Pujara was the cornerstone of India’s first series win in Australia. Scoring 521 at 74.42 with three centuries and facing 1258 deliveries, Pujara’s marathon batting sparked the Australian attack, frustrated the bowlers and helped India secure a 2-1 victory.
During the 2020-21 tour, Pujara came into his own, scoring three and a half centuries to play a key role in India’s 2-1 victory. Overall, the No. 3 batsman has 993 runs in 11 Tests over three Tours, facing a total of 2657 balls!
Virat Kohli (2011-12 and 2013-14): In the 2011-12 tour, young Virat Kohli stood tall amid India’s 4-0 whitewash, scoring his first Test (116) in Adelaide. It’s a brave beat that shows grit and determination. In the 2013-14 series, Kohli has developed into a leader and batting maestro. As captain, he led with intent, scoring 692 runs at 86.50, including four centuries.
Rishabh Pant (2018-19 and 2020-21): Touring Australia for the first time, Rishabh Pant impressed with 350 runs, including a brilliant 159* at the SCG. In 2020-21, Pant became a phenomenon. A heroic 97 in Sydney saved the Test, while an unbeaten 89 in Brisbane helped Ajinkya Rahane & Co. since 1988. India won the series 2-1.
Muhammad Siraj & Shubman Gill (2020-21): Mohammed Siraj, in a fast-paced attack amid injuries, took 13 wickets, including a five-wicket haul (5/73) in Brisbane, despite grappling with personal tragedy.
Shubman Gill, making his Test debut, scored 259 runs at 51.80. While many remember Pant for the Gabba heist, Gill’s 91 to open the innings was also significant.