The Indian fans witnessed one of the greatest comebacks in a Test series by the Indian team in 2021 when they came from 1-0 down to complete a historic series win at the impenetrable Gabba. Well, there was one partnership between two lower-order batters that rescued India from an adverse situation.
Yes, we are talking about the partnership between Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur for the 7th wicket which is also the highest 7th wicket partnership for India at the venue.
Sundar and Shardul: The Saviors
In the series decider at Gabba, the Australian team posted 369 runs to chase for an Indian batting order which did not have Virat Kohli. The visitors could not even start their first innings on a good note as they lost the opener Shubman Gill very early. The experienced Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara stitched a small partnership to stabilize the innings but Rohit could not stay on the crease for too long.
Almost every batter, including Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, and Mayank Agarwal, got a good start but none could make it big. As a result, Team India kept losing wickets at regular intervals which gave Australia an edge. When Sundar walked into bat, the team had been reduced to 5/161 and a collapse was inevitable. However, his partnership with Shardul Thakur changed the complexion of the game.
The two built a 123-run partnership which guided India close to the Australian score in the first innings. Eventually, India conceded a small lead and kept the contest alive at the end of the first innings. Washington Sundar ended up with 62 runs whereas Shardul Thakur scored 67 runs. Both these knocks proved to be decisive as the Indian team could challenge the home side in the second innings because of the parity that they restored at the end of the first innings. Ultimately, India won the Brisbane Test in a historic fashion by 3 wickets and this victory will always serve as an inspiration in tumultuous times.