New Delhi [India], September 16 (ANI): Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared an inside look into the atmosphere of the Indian cricket team’s dressing room following their disastrous 36-all-out debacle during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide in 2020.

In what stands as one of the bleakest moments in Indian cricket history, Team India was dismissed for their lowest-ever Test score in the first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 at Adelaide. Despite having a promising 53-run lead over Australia after the first innings, the team crumbled spectacularly, setting a modest target of 90 runs for the hosts. Australia easily chased this down, securing a 1-0 advantage in the four-match series.

Ashwin, speaking on Vimal Kumar’s official YouTube channel, revealed that the mood in the dressing room was understandably somber. The players were not even contemplating a series victory at that point. However, then-head coach Ravi Shastri played a pivotal role in lifting the team’s spirits. Shastri organized a team dinner and set up a karaoke session, personally singing old Hindi songs to lighten the mood.

“We weren’t thinking about a series win because being bowled out for 36 was a heavy blow. The atmosphere was quite downcast. Ravi Bhai organized a team dinner and arranged for some karaoke. He started singing old Hindi songs, and soon everyone joined in,” Ashwin recalled.

Adding to the team’s emotional complexity was Virat Kohli’s imminent departure to be with his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, for the birth of their first child. The team set “small targets” to regain focus after suffering an eight-wicket defeat in the first Test.

“We were in a bio-bubble, and Virat was also getting ready to return home. We concentrated on performing well in the next Test in Melbourne, setting small, achievable targets,” Ashwin explained.

What followed after such a crushing defeat was nothing short of cinematic. Instead of succumbing to pressure, the team rallied and played inspirational and positive cricket over the next three Tests under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, who stepped in during Virat’s absence. India clinched a historic 2-1 series victory by defeating Australia at The Gabba—Australia’s fortress for around 32 years—in the final Test. The team overcame every obstacle thrown their way.

The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia is set to kick off on November 22, with the first Test slated for Perth.

The second Test, taking place from December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature an exciting day-night format under stadium lights. Following that, cricket fans will focus on The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test scheduled from December 14 to 18.

The traditional Boxing Day Test will be held from December 26 to 30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, bringing the series to its penultimate stage.

The series finale is set for January 3 to 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, promising an electrifying conclusion to what is expected to be an exhilarating contest. (ANI)