Ravi Shastri Hails Cheteshwar Pujara's Impact in India's Historic Test Series Wins
Pujara's Key Role in India's Triumph
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 30: Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has lauded Cheteshwar Pujara for his significant contributions during India's remarkable Border-Gavaskar Trophy victories in Australia, equating the achievement to winning a World Cup.
During the 2018-19 series, Pujara was instrumental, amassing 521 runs across four matches with an impressive average of 74.42, which included three centuries and a half-century, solidifying India's batting lineup.
In the subsequent 2020-21 series, Pujara again rose to the occasion, scoring 271 runs in four matches at an average of 33.87, featuring three fifties, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Shastri reflected on this historic series win, noting that no Asian team had previously triumphed over Australia in a Test series on their home turf, underscoring the enormity of the challenge.
He emphasized Australia's formidable home record, particularly in red-ball cricket, including their performances in the Ashes series.
Shastri described Pujara as a 'soldier' who endured numerous challenges yet continued to battle through both tours in Australia and England, asserting that Pujara's tenacity and presence at the crease were crucial to India's success.
"It was akin to winning the World Cup. No Asian team had ever defeated Australia in a Test series on their home ground. Everyone witnessed their dominance over England in the Ashes just months prior. This was the toughest tour, and Pujara was our soldier, absorbing blows and persevering through both tours and in England. His presence was vital; we couldn't have achieved this without him," Shastri remarked.
India's victories in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy are celebrated as monumental milestones in Indian cricket history.
The 2018-19 series marked India as the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia, clinching a 2-1 victory and breaking the hosts' long-standing dominance in red-ball cricket.
India replicated this success in the 2020-21 series, again winning 2-1 despite facing injuries and the absence of key players. This series is particularly remembered for India's historic win at the Gabba, where they ended Australia's long unbeaten streak at that venue.
These consecutive series victories showcased India's resilience abroad, with significant contributions from both seasoned players and emerging talents, further solidifying their legacy in Test cricket.