Team India stars rising Down Under
A tour of Australia is often the toughest challenge in world cricket, testing players with world-class opposition, rock-hard pitches, sprawling outfields, hostile crowds and an unrelenting media. Yet, some Indian players have come through the test of fire and emerged with flying colours.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
TOI takes a look…
Sachin Tendulkar & Javagal Srinath (1991-92): India’s five-Test series in Australia was a forgettable 4-0 thrashing. Yet, it unearthed two stars legends. Sachin Tendulkar, an 18-year-old prodigy, announced himself with a stellar unbeaten 148 in Sydney and a brave 114 on the bouncy Perth track. His 368 runs were the highest for India in the series.
Srinath bowled with pace and bounce, showing immense promise. Though his 10 wickets at 55.30 didn’t reflect his impact, he displayed the raw talent that would make him India’s pace spearhead.
VVS Laxman (1999-2000): Amid a disappointing series, VVS Laxman carved out one of his finest knocks. His scintillating 167 off 198 balls at the SCG stood out for its elegance and dominance against a formidable Australian attack. It was a counter-attacking masterpiece that earned him respect from fans and foes.

Irfan Pathan (2003-04): At just 19, Irfan Pathan made his debut in the second Test in Adelaide on the 2003-04 tour. Bowling with reverse swing and precision, he dismissed legends like Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist, hinting at his immense potential despite modest returns (4 wickets at 66.50).
Virender Sehwag (2003-04): Known for his audacious strokeplay, Sehwag lit up the MCG with a swashbuckling 195 off 233 balls. Though he missed a double ton, his knock left an indelible mark, cementing his reputation as a fearless opener.

Ishant Sharma (2007-08): Ishant Sharma, all of 19, produced one of the most memorable spells at the WACA, tormenting Ricky Ponting with pace, bounce, and relentless accuracy and eventually dismissing the Australian skipper in both innings. This fiery spell not only helped India win the Test but also changed Ishant’s career trajectory.
Cheteshwar Pujara (2018-19): Pujara was the cornerstone of India’s historic first series win in Australia. Scoring 521 at 74.42 with three centuries and facing 1258 deliveries, Pujara’s marathon knocks blunted Australia’s attack, frustrated bowlers and helped India achieve a landmark 2-1 victory.
During the 2020-21 tour, Pujara was again his resolute self, scoring three half-centuries to play a key role in India’s 2-1 triumph. Overall, the No. 3 batsman has made 993 runs in 11 Tests across three tours, facing a total of 2657 balls!

Virat Kohli (2011-12 and 2013-14): In the 2011-12 tour, a young Virat Kohli stood tall amidst India’s 4-0 whitewash, scoring his maiden Test hundred (116) in Adelaide. It was a gallant knock that showcased his grit and determination. By the 2013-14 series, Kohli had evolved into a leader and batting maestro. As captain, he led with intent, scoring 692 runs at 86.50, including four centuries.
Rishabh Pant (2018-19 and 2020-21): Touring Australia for the first time, Rishabh Pant impressed with 350 runs, including a brilliant 159* at the SCG. In 2020-21, Pant became a phenomenon. His heroic 97 in Sydney saved a Test, while his unbeaten 89 in Brisbane helped Ajinkya Rahane & Co. pull off an incredible heist – a 329-run chase on the fifth and final day as Australia lost a Test at the Gabba for the first time since 1988. India won the series 2-1.

Mohammed Siraj & Shubman Gill (2020-21): Mohammed Siraj, shouldering the pace attack amid injuries, took 13 wickets, including a five-wicket haul (5/73) in Brisbane, despite grappling with personal tragedy.
Shubman Gill, making his Test debut, scored 259 runs at 51.80. While many remember Pant for the Gabba heist, Gill’s 91 while opening the innings was equally crucial.