India all-rounder Shardul Thakur opens up about Rohit Sharma's crucial role in India's iconic Test win over Australia at the Gabba in 2021. Cool partnered with Washington Sundar to create a game-changing 123-run partnership for the seventh wicket to help India get close to Australia's first-innings total of 369.
Shardul Thakur came on as India struggled at 186/6, but the all-rounder showed great composure and aggression and finished with 115 balls An outstanding performance of 67 runs, including 9 boundaries and 2 sixes at The Gabba.
Shardul Thakur reveals Rohit Sharma's crucial role in his signature garba knock
Recently, Thakur looked back at his memorable games at the Gabba and revealed that Rohit Sharma used it on the dugout during the crucial moments of the fourth Test match against Australia in Brisbane. Subtle sign language to guide him.
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Shardul further stated that Sharma would give him cues when the bowlers were tired or near the end of the match, helping the Mumbai cricketers time their attacks wisely and stay focused during the 2020-21 tour of India Australia's strong bowling attack.
Rohit spoke to me in sign language in the lounge: Shardul Thakur
Cricket Monthly quoted Shardul Thakur as saying: “Rohit spoke to me in sign language on the dugout. When the bowler got tired or was about to end his spell, he would point out. Like, I Think that happened towards the end of Hazlewood's spell and Rohit asked me to wait and not rush me to take the shot.
Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur, who was unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, also shared a moment in the second innings when he missed a chance to finish the match as Josh Hazlewood ( Josh Hazlewood dismissed him cheaply for 2, which led to harsh words from India captain Rohit Sharma.
As I walked towards the dugout, Rohit scolded me for not finishing the match: Thakur
Thakur, full of confidence after his heroics in the first innings, tried an ambitious shot but was dismissed by Hazlewood at the Gabba. However, Rishabh Pant's iconic score of 89* helped India cross the finish line and they wrote history by winning the Test match by three wickets.
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He concluded by saying, “The performance in the first innings gave me a lot of confidence. Unfortunately, when I tried to hit the ball over the leg side, my top edge got hit. I picked two runs from a similar delivery , both bounced off the hip. The pressure was on me again as I walked towards the dugout and Rohit scolded me for not finishing the game, but I defended myself and said I didn't take the shot recklessly.
Notably, the Gabba Test 2021 remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history and currently, Rohit Sharma and his team are facing a formidable team at the same venue Team Australia for the ongoing third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, it remains to be seen whether India will repeat its historic victory over the Australian side.
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