India's victory in the Brisbane Test during the 2020/21 series against Australia is regarded as one of the most significant achievements in the nation's cricketing legacy. Despite facing considerable challenges due to injuries that sidelined several key players, the Indian team remarkably overcame the odds to conquer the formidable Gabba.

This triumph represented Australia’s first loss at this venue in 32 years of Test cricket. Rishabh Pant emerged as the standout performer in India's remarkable chase of 328 runs, scoring an impressive unbeaten 89. However, numerous players contributed at various stages throughout the match. Shardul Thakur, the Indian bowling all-rounder, played a pivotal role in the first innings, delivering a vital performance when the team needed a solid partnership to counter the home side's advantage.

Entering the crease with India at 186/6 in response to Australia’s total of 369, Shardul scored a commendable 67 runs off 115 balls. Crucially, he formed a significant 123-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Washington Sundar, who contributed 62 runs, aiding India in their batting resurgence. In an interview with The Cricket Monthly, Shardul disclosed that Rohit Sharma communicated with him using sign language from the dugout, helping him identify bowlers who were becoming fatigued, which in turn allowed Shardul to adjust his batting strategy accordingly.

“Rohit was communicating with me in sign language from the dugout. He would signal when a bowler was tiring or nearing the end of their spell. For instance, this occurred when Hazlewood was approaching the conclusion of his spell. Rohit advised me to be patient and not to rush into playing shots,” Shardul shared.

Learning from Pujara

The all-rounder elaborated on his strategy for facing Nathan Lyon, who had been performing exceptionally well throughout the series. Shardul disclosed that he drew insights from Cheteshwar Pujara's method of confronting Lyon in the previous Test, employing his footwork to diminish the spinner's effectiveness.

"In the last Test, I observed how Cheteshwar Pujara managed Lyon in Sydney when the ball was turning sharply. He frequently utilized his feet—advancing out but also retreating deep into his crease. Initially, when I faced Lyon, I attempted to remain deep in my crease; however, I soon realized that this could lead to my dismissal, given the enticing lines and lengths he bowled. One might be tempted to push the ball towards cover, risking an edge against a delivery that turns in, which brings the short leg into play.

"Therefore, I concluded that the most effective approach was to employ my footwork. Considering the field placement he had set, I aimed to target the off-side when stepping out against the turn. That particular delivery was perfectly positioned for a shot over long-on."

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