The Gabba in Brisbane holds a particular place within the hearts of Indian cricket followers, not simply as a venue, however as a logo of resilience and triumph in opposition to the percentages. In January 2021, throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India confronted a frightening problem: to win a Check match on Australian soil with out a number of of their key gamers. Regardless of being with out the likes of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin, the crew showcased extraordinary spirit and tenacity, clinching a historic victory that might be etched in cricketing folklore.
Quick ahead to December 2024, and India discover themselves as soon as once more within the midst of a fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar sequence, presently tied at 1-1 after thrilling matches in Perth and Adelaide. As they put together to take the sector on the Gabba for the essential third Check on December 14, the echoes of that epic win resonate strongly. Nonetheless, this time round, the taking part in XI will characteristic a unique set of gamers, as a number of key figures from that unforgettable match is not going to be a part of the squad.
The absence of those gamers raises questions on how India will adapt and whether or not they can replicate the magic of 2021. Every of those people performed a pivotal position in that victory, contributing not solely by means of their performances but in addition by embodying the preventing spirit that outlined the sequence.
Listed below are the six gamers from Gabba 2021 who will stay absent in 2024
Mayank Agarwal: The silent contributor
Mayank Agarwal performed a significant position in India’s batting order throughout the Gabba Check, contributing essential runs down the order. His capability to anchor innings and construct partnerships was vital in a match the place each run counted. Nonetheless, Agarwal has been absent from the nationwide setup for an prolonged interval, with selectors choosing youthful expertise in current sequence. His expertise and calm manner would have been helpful, however he stays on the sidelines as India takes on Australia as soon as once more.
Additionally READ: AUS vs IND: Right here’s how India have carried out in Brisbane Assessments – from lowest whole of 58 runs in 1947 to a landmark victory in 2021
Cheteshwar Pujara: The gritty warrior
Cheteshwar Pujara‘s efficiency on the Gabba was nothing wanting heroic. He confronted relentless bowling assaults with unwavering resolve, scoring a gritty 56 runs that laid the inspiration for India’s chase. Pujara’s capability to soak up strain and stand up to physique blows turned emblematic of India’s preventing spirit throughout that match. Sadly, he has not been included within the present sequence in opposition to Australia, focusing as a substitute on commentary duties. His absence might be felt, particularly given his expertise and tactical acumen.
Shardul Thakur: The all-rounder extraordinaire
Shardul Thakur emerged as a shock package deal throughout the Gabba Check, contributing considerably with each bat and ball. His vital wickets and invaluable runs helped India keep momentum in opposition to a formidable Australian facet. Regardless of his impactful efficiency, Thakur has not made it to the squad for this sequence as he participates within the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Mumbai. His versatility and skill to carry out below strain would have added depth to India’s lineup.
Ajinkya Rahane: The captain’s legacy
Ajinkya Rahane led India to victory on the Gabba as captain, showcasing outstanding management qualities and tactical nous. His innings of 24 runs was essential in stabilizing the crew throughout difficult moments. Nonetheless, Rahane’s type has dipped since that memorable win, resulting in his exclusion from the present squad. As he continues to play home cricket, his expertise would have been invaluable in guiding youthful gamers by means of high-pressure conditions.
T Natarajan: The debutant’s dream
T Natarajan made his Check debut throughout the Gabba Check and performed a pivotal position together with his left-arm tempo bowling, taking three wickets and serving to dismantle Australia’s batting lineup. His journey from being a web bowler to a match-winner was inspirational. Sadly, accidents have plagued Natarajan’s profession since then, rendering him unavailable for choice on this sequence. His distinctive bowling fashion and skill to swing the ball would have offered India with an edge in opposition to Australia.
Navdeep Saini: The harm struggler
Navdeep Saini‘s contribution on the Gabba was minimize brief resulting from harm; nonetheless, he managed to make an influence earlier than leaving the sector. Presently a part of the squad in Australia, Saini finds himself behind different pacers within the choice hierarchy. Regardless of being match, he could not characteristic within the taking part in XI resulting from fierce competitors amongst bowlers like Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Saini’s uncooked tempo and potential make him a participant to look at for future matches
As India put together for one more battle on the Gabba, reminiscences of their 2021 triumph will undoubtedly encourage them. Whereas key gamers from that historic win are absent this time round, new skills will step as much as embrace the problem in opposition to Australia. The spirit of resilience that outlined India’s final outing at this iconic venue will proceed to information them as they search glory as soon as extra in Brisbane on December 14, 2024.
