Forgotten Hero of BGT 2021: Historic Win That Shattered ‘Gabba Ka Ghamand..’

The historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has started, where India and Australia will flex their muscles in the most extended format of cricket. The first match will be played at Optus Stadium, Perth, on November 22, 2024.

BGT 2020-21 was one of the most iconic Test series. In it, India showcased its winning capabilities despite having a team with relatively inexperienced players, mostly youngsters. During the same series, Virat Kohli left the team for paternity leave. Ajinkya Rahane stepped in as captain and led the team, making the impossible possible.

While everyone knows Rishabh Pant was the hero of BGT 2021, several other players also played crucial roles but have been forgotten. In this blog, we will discuss those forgotten heroes of BGT 2020-21.

1. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur stands out as one of the key heroes of India’s historic triumph in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Known for his all-round abilities, Shardul is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a right-handed batsman who has represented India across formats, as well as India A, India B, West Zone, and multiple IPL teams.

During the 2020-21 BGT series in Australia, Shardul played a pivotal role in the final Test at the Gabba, scoring a crucial 67 runs and taking 7 wickets. His exceptional performance was instrumental in India breaking Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba, securing a historic series victory.

Earlier this year, Shardul underwent foot surgery in June and returned to competitive cricket in September. He sustained the injury during India’s 2023 South Africa tour, with his last appearance for India being in the first Test of that series.

Recently, Gautam Gambhir commented on Shardul’s omission from the team, stating, “The decision to pick Reddy (Nitish) ahead of Shardul is also about moving forward.” Addressing the remark, Shardul clarified, “I haven’t had any communication yet. I just returned from surgery, so it’s obvious that’s the reason I’m not in the team at the moment.”

2. Hanuma Vihari

Hanuma Vihari is often regarded as one of the most underappreciated Indian cricketers despite his impressive first-class average of nearly 50. Of the 16 Test matches he has played, 13 have been on foreign soil, where he has delivered under immense pressure, particularly in challenging SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).

One of the defining moments of Vihari’s career came during the Sydney Test in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Battling not just the Australian bowlers but also his hamstring injury, Vihari showcased immense resilience to help India pull off a memorable draw. He scored an unbeaten 23 off 161 balls. He partnered with Ravichandran Ashwin to stitch a crucial 62-run stand, ensuring India held their ground in one of their most celebrated rearguards in Test cricket history. These innings also made him a hero of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

3. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane, once a key player for the Indian cricket team, has been left out of the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In his 85-Test career, the right-handed batter has scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.

Notably, eight of his hundreds came in overseas matches, with his most iconic century being in the Boxing Day Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. As captain, Rahane’s brilliant knock was instrumental in securing a crucial victory for India.

“I love challenges” – @ajinkyarahane88 🔥

As we revisit #Rahane‘s iconic 112 in the #ToughestRivalry Melbourne 2020, relive the day as narrated by the man himself, with #TomMoody chiming in to commemorate this incredible knock under pressure! 👏🏻

Who do you think will replicate… pic.twitter.com/WzEZm0Y6UY

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 28, 2024

That series was a true test of character for Team India, as they faced numerous challenges, including losing several players to injuries. To make matters more difficult, their star batter and captain, Virat Kohli, was on paternity leave after the first Test. Despite these setbacks, the team displayed remarkable resilience and fought back with a collective effort, ultimately emerging victorious in one of the most historic series wins in Indian cricket history.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara played a pivotal role in India’s extraordinary 2-1 series win during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. Across four matches and eight innings, he scored 271 runs at an average of 33.87, including three half-centuries, with his highest score being 77. His resilience and grit were vital in helping India overcome immense challenges throughout the series.

Former Australian captain Tim Paine praised Pujara’s contribution, emphasizing that his efforts often go underappreciated. “People talk a lot about Rishabh Pant’s heroics, but Pujara was the one who truly won them the series. He wore us and our fast bowlers down, taking blows on his body but never giving up. There’s still room for players like him in Test cricket,” Paine said on The Grade Cricketer Podcast.

Pujara’s impact on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy goes beyond the 2020-21 series. He was India’s standout performer during the 2018-19 edition, earning the Player of the Series award for his incredible performances. Pujara amassed 521 runs in seven innings at a staggering average of 74.42, including three centuries and a fifty, making him the highest run-scorer of the series and key to India’s historic 2-1 victory.

None of the heroes mentioned above are part of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, but they continue to play first-class cricket and perform well for their respective teams. Hopefully, we may see them in future editions of the BGT.

For now, under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching, India has sent a strong squad for the BGT 2024-25. This series is particularly crucial as it holds the key to qualifying for the WTC 2025 final. To secure a spot, India needs to win the series 4-0—an immense challenge but not impossible. If achieved, the heroes of this campaign will be remembered alongside those from the iconic BGT 2020-21.

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