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Xtra Time Web Desk: The highly anticipated five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is set to commence in November, with India aiming for an unprecedented hat-trick of Test series victories on Australian soil. Having secured the previous two series in 2018/19 and 2020/21 with a 2-1 margin, India is now preparing for its toughest challenge yet—a five-match series. 

India's 2020/21 triumph remains one of the most memorable moments in cricket history, not only for the victory itself but for the resilience the team displayed. After a humiliating loss in the Adelaide Test, where India registered its lowest-ever Test score of 36, the squad was plagued by injuries to key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and KL Rahul. With Virat Kohli, India's captain at the time, leaving the series after the first Test for paternity leave, the team appeared to be in disarray.

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However, under the guidance of head coach Ravi Shastri, India regrouped and scripted one of the greatest comebacks in the sport. Ravichandran Ashwin, one of the standout performers in that series, recently shared a glimpse into how Shastri helped revive the team’s spirits. In a conversation with journalist Vimal Kumar, Ashwin revealed that Shastri organized a team dinner and karaoke session the night India suffered the Adelaide defeat.

“We weren't thinking of a series win at all, because the whole team atmosphere was down. But in the evening, Ravi bhai organised a team dinner, and he sang as well. He switched on the karaoke and started singing. Slowly, others followed too,” Ashwin said. The move proved to be crucial in lifting the mood of the camp. “Our intention was to be positive, go to Melbourne, and win. We didn't think of the series, we kept small targets and took each match individually after that,” Ashwin added.

India will now look to carry this fighting spirit as they prepare to face Australia once again. However, the upcoming series presents new challenges, with Australia keen to reclaim the trophy on home soil.

India's Road to the World Test Championship Final

In addition to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Team India will be fighting to secure its spot in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). Currently, India is at the top of the WTC standings but will need to maintain its form in the 10 remaining Test matches to qualify for the 2025 final.

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India's WTC journey resumes on September 19, with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting in Chennai. Following that, New Zealand will tour India for five Tests, setting up a crucial period for the team in its quest for WTC glory.