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'Forget About The 36 All-out...' Rahane Reflects On How A Pep Talk Helped IND Win Series In AUS

Indian players with the BGT trophy. (X)Indian players with the BGT trophy. (X)

Ajinkya Rahane, who led India to a remarkable series win in the 2020-21 Test series against Australia, shared insights into how a healing session after their disastrous performance in the first Test in Adelaide laid the foundation for their incredible 2-1 series victory. Rahane underlined the importance of mental recovery and staying present.

In the day-night Test in Adelaide, Australia bowled out India for their lowest-ever total of 36, which led to a heavy defeat in the series opener. Following this loss, regular captain Virat Kohli returned to India for personal reasons. 

Rahane then led the team to historic victories in Melbourne and Brisbane, and secured a fighting draw in Sydney, resulting in a 2-1 series win for team India.

“I had to literally forget about the 36 all-out and come back into the moment as quickly as possible. We all were shattered at that time, everyone was in shock and I thought it was a bad dream. When you lose a Test or an incident like that happens, your mind goes into the past and also into the future and thinks about the result and the outcome," Rahane told PTI.

"We are in Adelaide, we are going to think about my own and the team's game plan once we are in Melbourne. That is how I addressed the team, that ‘let’s not discuss cricket for the next two days, enjoy yourself, wherever you want to go, (go and) just clear your mind, we will meet in Melbourne and we will start our journey and campaign there again,"  Ajinkya Rahane recalled during the launch of Fortis Hospital Mulund’s Sports Injury Clinic on Friday.

This 2020-21 series will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest, considering what the visiting team endured during the three-month tour. It is safe to say that this team has etched its name in history as having fought the bravest battle on the cricket field.