The Unsung Hero of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Tim Paine's Thoughts on the Real Winner of the India Series

2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will always be remembered as one of the most epic Test series in recent times. The Indian cricket team pulled off a stunning victory against all odds, defeating Australia 2-1 in the four-match series. This series is often compared to the legendary 2005 Ashes, known for its intense competition between bat and ball. Despite facing numerous injuries and playing without key players, the Indian team showed immense resilience and determination to outclass Australia. The defining moment of the series came in the fourth Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, where India ended Australia's unbeaten streak to secure a historic series win. It was a moment of glory and pride for Indian cricket, showcasing the team's fighting spirit and ability to overcome challenges.

Rishabh Pant played an unbeaten 89-run knock in the fourth and final innings to help India chase down 328 at the Gabba. The series win was all the more special as Virat Kohli had taken a paternity leave after the first Test and the likes of Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin were ruled out of the series at different stages due to their respective injuries.

Tim Paine, who was Australia's captain during the 2020-21 series, has now remarked that several people think Rishabh Pant won them the series, but he thinks quite differently.

The 39-year-old said that, in his opinion, Cheteshwar Pujara won India the contest by grinding the Australian bowlers down.

"What I do remember, a lot of people talk about Rishabh Pant in the last series in Australia, but the guy who won them the series was Pujara. He wore us down, he wore our fast bowlers down. He kept getting hit on the body, but he kept getting up. There is still place for that in Test cricket," said Paine on the Grade Cricketer's Podcast.

Pujara grinds it out in 2020-21 BGT

Cheteshwar Pujara might not have gotten many centuries during the 2020-21 BGT, but he was able to stay at the crease for a long haul, grinding the Australian bowlers down. Throughout the entire series, Pujara received several blows to his body, but not for once, did he give up, and he showed his stomach for a fight.

In the four-match series, Cheteshwar Pujara scored 271 runs in four matches, with his highest score being 77. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant returned with 274 runs.

The 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy started in the worst possible manner as India were bowled out for 36 in the second innings of the pink ball Test. However, India under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane staged a comeback in the Melbourne Test to level the series.

The Sydney Test ended in a draw after Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari fought it out in the final session. And what happened at Gabba, it's no secret!

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