Well deserved

The Gabba thriller was as much a historic moment for Team India as it was for Rishabh Pant. The record chase aided by his unbeaten 89, helped India clinch the Border-Gavaskar trophy with three overs to spare. While no one can take the feat away from Pant it was more than a player that ripped the Australian side apart and so the cash reward is more than deserving (“BCCI announces Rs 50 million bonus for Indian players,” Jan. 19, Gulf Today).

Accolades are pouring in from all quarters from Sachin Tendulkar to Google’s Indian-born chief executive Sundar Pichai. All well received, but the praise that stood out for me was that of Kohli. “To everyone who doubted us after Adelaide, stand up and take notice. Exemplary performance but the grit and determination was the standout for us the whole way. Well done to all the boys and the management. Enjoy this historic feat lads.” It felt like it came from the heart. Probably it is a big lesson for him too, after the first Test debacle in Adelaide when the team skittled for 36, India’s lowest ever.

All said and done, all this is a great morale booster for the team as they prepare to take on England on home turf next. Now the baton moves back to Kohli’s hands from Ajinkya Rahane who played a pivotal role in the Australian victory. It will be Kohli’s litmus test.

Aaron D’Souza
By email