"It was a freak session" - Vikram Rathour reveals message to dressing room after 36 all-out in BGT 2020-21 match

The former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has recalled the team’s historic Test series in Australia with a second-string side on their 2020-2021 tour. In January 2021, the Indian cricket team achieved one of the most remarkable victories in its history by clinching a Test series 2-1 in Australia.

Rathour recalled how a second-string Indian team won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which was a testament to their depth, resilience, and indomitable spirit against the formidable Australia cricket team.

Vikram Rathour recalls India's epic 2020-2021 Test Series win in Australia with a second-string team

India's Test campaign began with a humiliating defeat in the first Test in Adelaide, where they were bowled out for a mere 36 runs in the second innings, their lowest score in Test history.

To add to their woes, several key players like Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin faced injuries while captain Virat Kohli returned home for the birth of his first child.

Things were not easy, but then stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane did a wonderful captaincy. Well, despite these setbacks, the Indian cricket team bounced back in spectacular fashion, as the stand-in captain Rahane’s century set the tone for a dominant performance, helping India level the four-match Test series by winning the second Test by eight wickets in Melbourne.

The third Test in Sydney was a gritty affair, where Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin’s crucial partnership on the final day secured a draw, setting the stage for a thrilling decider in Brisbane. The fourth and final Test at the Gabba, a venue where Australia had not lost in 32 years, witnessed a remarkable performance from the young and inexperienced Indian side.

Shubman Gill’s aggressive 91, Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89, and crucial contributions from Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur led India to a historic three-wicket victory on the final day, breaching the Gabba fortress. This Test series win was not just a win; it was about courage, teamwork, and unwavering belief and it remains one of the most iconic series ever.

We did not panic: Vikram Rathour on injuries to key players on Australia tour

Meanwhile, Rathour reflected on the preparation and challenges faced during the iconic Test series against Australia. The former Indian batting coach further mentioned that the team arrived early and had ample practice sessions, despite the restrictions of COVID-19 isolation.

Rathour also revealed that the team’s response was to keep a calm mindset, avoiding overthinking and unnecessary analysis after the key players were injured on the tour, saying they didn't panic and continued with their approach, which ultimately led to one of the best Test series wins ever.

Vikram Rathour was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “We prepared well for that series. We were there early; we had some practice sessions. Those were COVID times, and we were in isolation. We had an exclusive practice area, which gave us an excellent opportunity to work and prepare well. We were in a perfect position in the first Test, and the 36 all-out happened. It was a freak session. The message in the group was simple: There’s nothing wrong with what we did. Let’s not start overthinking and overanalyzing. We did not panic. It turned out to be one of the best series ever.”