India clinched a famous win over Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy with a 2-1 series victory.
Set 328 for victory on the fifth and final day, Shubman Gill (91), Cheteshwar Pujara (56) and Rishabh Pant (89 not out) guided the tourists to a magnificent three-wicket win, snapping Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.
The result sent shockwaves throughout the cricket world with India missing several key players through injury including star paceman Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Australian captain Tim Paine conceded that his side were outplayed and outfought by a resilient Indian team.
"In the key moments, whether it was bat, ball or in the field, we were found wanting and completely outplayed by a really disciplined, really tough Indian side who fully deserved the series win,” Paine said post-game.
Australian coach Justin Langer praised Pant’s “fearless” match-winning innings on a tense final day.
“It was an amazing effort," Langer told Channel 7.
"Pant's innings reminded me a bit of Ben Stokes at Headingley actually. He was almost fearless. It was an unbelievable innings.
"You can never take anything for granted. Never ever, ever underestimate the Indians."
Steve Smith hailed Pant as a “special player” and admits the team is hurting after the series-deciding loss.
“I’m pretty flat. It’s a disappointing end to the series for us,” Smith told SEN Test Cricket.
“Credit to India, they played exceptionally well today. I thought Pujara held up an end for a long period of time, absorbed a lot of pressure.
“I thought Gill played a really nice innings and obviously Rishabh’s innings was exceptional. He’s a pretty special player, isn’t he?
“It’s sort of hard to grasp right now.”