'Horrible Treatment': Shardul Thakur Recalls India's Tour Of Australia

India's 2020-21 tour of Australia remains unforgettable for cricket fans due to the team's remarkable comeback. Despite a crushing defeat in the first Test, where they were bowled out for 36 in the second innings, India showed resilience.

Virat Kohli returned to India after the first Test for the birth of his child. Meanwhile, key players like Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin, T Natarajan, and Jasprit Bumrah faced injuries throughout the five-match series.

The Indian team, led by Ajinkya Rahane, displayed extraordinary determination to clinch the series 2-1. Their victory in the fourth and final Test handed Australia their first defeat in Brisbane in 32 years.

However, this triumph was not without its challenges. The series took place during the peak of Covid-19 and was marred by several controversies both on and off the field.

During IISM Orientation Day 2024, Shardul Thakur shared insights about the hardships faced by the Indian team during their Australian tour. He revealed that they were treated poorly from the moment they arrived.

"The way they treated us was very horrible," Thakur recalled. "For four or five days, there would be no housekeeping service in the hotel. If you wanted to change the bedsheets, you would have to walk up five floors when you're tired and come change it," he added.

Thakur also criticised then Australia captain Tim Paine for misleading the media to protect his team's image. He stated that after India's comprehensive win over Australia, they did not even acknowledge their opponents.

"I heard some interview from Tim Paine. That man was absolutely lying; he was just saving himself by making up things in the media and covering up that 'we didn't put any pressure on Indian team and gave them whatever they wanted'. But I know the truth," said Thakur.

"Virat (Kohli) had left - and Ajinkya Rahane and Ravi Shastri were regularly fighting with Cricket Australia to give us what we wanted," he added.

"First time we did not even look at Australians after winning. We said just go back and sit in your dressing room."

Shardul Thakur's Performance

In Brisbane's final Test match, Shardul Thakur made significant contributions. He took three wickets in Australia's first innings and scored a crucial 67 runs to help India reach 336 in response to Australia's 369. In Australia's second innings, he claimed Cameron Green's vital wicket.

The Indian team's perseverance under challenging circumstances led them to a historic series win against Australia. This victory is celebrated as one of India's greatest cricketing achievements abroad.