Shardul Thakur Opens Up on India’s “Horrible” Treatment During 2020-21 Australia Tour

India’s 2020-21 tour of Australia is remembered for the historic 2-1 series victory, but cricketer Shardul Thakur recently shed light on the behind-the-scenes challenges the team faced. In a candid revelation, Thakur described the treatment meted out to the Indian team by Cricket Australia as “horrible,” emphasizing the struggles they endured off the field.

Speaking at a public event, Thakur did not hold back when discussing the hardships the team encountered during the tour. “The way they treated us was very horrible,” Thakur stated. He detailed the inadequate facilities provided to the team, mentioning how housekeeping services were almost non-existent, forcing players to manage basic tasks like changing bedsheets themselves, even after exhausting days on the field.

Shardul Thakur also disclosed that the Indian team’s management, led by then-captain Ajinkya Rahane and coach Ravi Shastri, frequently clashed with Cricket Australia over these issues. The cricketer revealed that negative sentiments were expressed about India’s presence, with the Governor of Queensland openly stating that Australia was unhappy hosting the Indian team.

One of the most striking parts of Thakur’s revelations was his criticism of former Australia Test captain Tim Paine. Thakur accused Paine of lying in interviews to protect his own image. “I heard some interview from Tim Paine. That man was absolutely lying, he was just saving himself by making up things in the media,” Thakur asserted. He credited Rahane and Shastri for continuously fighting for the team’s needs during the tour, especially in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, who had returned to India after the first Test.

Reflecting on India’s iconic victory at The Gabba, where they chased down a daunting target of 329, Thakur noted that the team’s reaction was different from the usual celebrations. “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,'” he said, highlighting the deep sense of pride and defiance felt by the Indian players after overcoming both on-field and off-field challenges.

India’s triumph in that series, despite numerous injuries and Kohli’s absence, remains one of the most significant achievements in the country’s cricketing history. Thakur’s revelations add a new layer of understanding to the resilience and determination that fueled that unforgettable victory.

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