'Greatest Test victory': India's Gabba heroics light up social media

"We are all overjoyed at the success of the Indian cricket team in Australia," says Indian PM Narendra Modi.
Published January 19, 2021

Social media was abuzz on Tuesday after India secured a historic fourth Test and series win over Australia by three wickets after a thrilling final day.

Without a single first-choice bowler in Brisbane, India retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, two years after beating Australia in the 2018-19 series Down Under, and also shot to the top of the World Test Championship.

Here's what the cricket world and others — politicians, Bollywood stars, journalists and sportsmen — are saying after India's record fourth-innings 329-7 saw Australia lose at their fortress Gabba ground for the first time since 1988.


India PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted within minutes of India's triumph that the country was “overjoyed”.

"[The team's] remarkable energy and passion was visible throughout. So was their stellar intent, remarkable grit and determination. Congratulations to the team! Best wishes for your future endeavours," he said.


India captain Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, India's captain in the first Test in Adelaide — when the team were skittled for 36 — and who returned home for the birth of his child, had a message for all the naysayers

"To everyone who doubted us after Adelaide, stand up and take notice. Exemplary performance but the grit and determination was the standout for us the whole way. Well done to all the boys and the management. Enjoy this historic feat lads," he said.


Former India captain Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, the head of India's cricket board, said the 2-1 series victory — India's second straight series win in Australia — was nothing short of historic.

“To go to Australia and win a test series in this way ..will be remembered in the history of indian cricket forever,” Ganguly — recovering from a heart attack two weeks ago — tweeted.

He announced a special bonus for the team of 50 million rupees ($680,000).


India run-scoring legend Sachin Tendulkar

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar described it as “one of the greatest series wins”.

"EVERY SESSION WE DISCOVERED A NEW HERO. Every time we got hit, we stayed put & stood taller. We pushed boundaries of belief to play fearless but not careless cricket. Injuries & uncertainties were countered with poise & confidence."


Bollywood star Ranveer Singh

"Historic win!!! What an effort!!! So proud!!!," said Bollywood star Ranveer Singh.


Former England captain Michael Vaughan

“Wow [...] That has to go down as one of the greatest if not the greatest Test victory of all time!! Egg on my face over here in the UK [...] but I love to see character & skill [...] India have it in abundance."


England fast bowler Stuart Broad

“Test cricket's heart is beating strongly! That was an extraordinary win @BCCI & a fantastic series to watch. Aussies not lost at The Gabba since 1988. Wow," said Stuart Broad, England fast bowler, who is currently on tour in Sri Lanka.


Former West Indies cricketer Viv Richards

“You don't just play & love Test cricket for nothing. Brilliant game," said Viv Richards, captain of the West Indies team who had been the last to win at the Gabba in 1988.


India fast bowler Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma, India's leading fast bowler who missed the Test series due to an injury said: “The champions and the greatest chase!

"#TeamIndia has proved it again by team efforts, great character, courage & max determination! Despite the bruises, the team made it possible for our country. That's why we play for the country's flag to go high every time we perform," he tweeted.


Sports presenter Zainab Abbas

Pakistani sports presenter Zainab Abbas congratulated the Indian cricket team on a "brilliant series", adding that they had achieved the "unthinkable".

"What. An. Innings! Rishabh pant and India have conquered the fortress, been a brilliant series but got to say post that 36 all out debacle, not having Kohli & battling with all the injuries including Bumrah, Ashwin etc, India have achieved the unthinkable."


Journalist Rehanul Haq

"This shot basically sums up how India treated Australia in this series," said journalist Rehanul Haq.


BBC commentator Daniel Norcross

“India has just pulled off the most remarkable series win of all time. No question. Insane, magnificent, skillful, nerveless. Wow.”


Tottenham Hotspur footballer Harry Kane

Even sportsmen from outside the cricket fraternity enjoyed the Gabba thriller with Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane congratulating the BCCI on the win.

"Unbelievable test series win by @BCCI! Every test match was exciting to watch!"


Indian tennis star Sania Mirza

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza called the "monumental" win "one for the history books".


Google chief executive Sundar Pichai

Google's Indian-born chief executive Sundar Pichai also got in on the act.

“One of the greatest Test series wins ever. Congrats India and well played Australia, what a series,” Pichai tweeted.


Header image: India celebrates winning on day five of the fourth test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane on Jan 19. — Reuters