India star opens up about mistreatment on Australia tour

Indian cricketer Shardul Thakur has shed light on the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by the Indian team during their victorious 2020-21 tour of Australia. Speaking publicly about the tour, Thakur revealed that the team endured subpar facilities and "horrible" treatment from Cricket Australia. According to Thakur, the inadequate support led to frequent arguments between then-India captain Ajinkya Rahane, coach Ravi Shastri, and Cricket Australia officials.

"The way they treated us was very horrible"

The tension was further exacerbated by negative comments directed at the Indian team, with Thakur openly criticizing Australia’s Test captain at the time, Tim Paine, labeling him a "liar."

"The way they treated us was very horrible," said Thakur. "For four or five days, there would be no housekeeping service in the hotel. If you wanted to change the bedsheets, you would have to walk up five floors when you're tired," he continued.

"I heard some interview from Tim Paine. That man was absolutely lying, he was just saving himself by making up things in the media," said Thakur. "But I know the truth - Virat (Kohli) had left - and Ajinkya Rahane and Ravi Shastri were regularly fighting with Cricket Australia to give us what we wanted," he added.

Emotional victory at The Gabba amid controversy

When asked about India’s historic win at The Gabba in Brisbane, which secured a 2-1 series victory, Thakur described the players' reactions as unusual and deeply emotional. He recounted how the Governor of Queensland expressed displeasure at hosting the Indian team, adding to the sense of adversity the team faced. Despite missing key players like Virat Kohli and dealing with several injuries, India chased down a daunting target of 329 in the final Test. Thakur dismissed an interview given by Tim Paine during the series, underscoring the stark contrast between the Australian captain’s public statements and the reality experienced by the Indian players.

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India’s victory in the series remains one of the most significant achievements in their cricketing history, but Thakur’s revelations offer a glimpse into the struggles and resilience that fueled their triumph.

"For the first time ever, we did not even look at the Australians after winning. We wanted to tell them 'Go and sit back in your dressing rooms'," Thakur said.