‘The way they treated us was horrible’ - Shardul Thakur on India’s experience during 2020-21 Australia tour

India all-rounder Shardul Thakur recently came forward to reveal the harsh treatment that the Indian team endured during their tour of Australia in 2020–21.  Despite the adversity, India managed to clinch a historic 1-2 series win against the Aussies. 

The story of India’s tour to Australia in 2020–21 is one that defied all odds, as after a humiliating defeat in the first Test in Adelaide, they staged a perfect comeback and won the second Test in Melbourne before drawing the third in Sydney. The series ended with India registering a historic win at the Gabba.

However, it was not easy going for the visitors, as revealed by Shardul. The all-rounder opened up about the various challenges that India faced throughout their tour. 

“The way they treated us was very horrible. For four or five days there won't be any housekeeping services in the hotel. You want to change your bed sheets, you would have to walk up the stairs for four or five floors, get the bed sheets. When you're tired, come change it, do your own things,” Shardul told IISM.

Ravi Shastri and CA were in a regular fight: Thakur

Furthermore, Shardul talked about the challenges that the side faced after Virat Kohli left and Ajinkya Rahane became the captain. He revealed that the then coach Ravi Shastri was constantly getting in fights with Cricket Australia in order to get the things that they wanted. 

“Our coach Ravi Shastri, Virat had left, Ajinkya was leading. They both were in a regular fight with the Cricketing Board of Australia to get the things that we wanted. Yes, it was difficult the whole tour. Injuries kept happening. Even in the last game, [Navdeep] Saini got injured. [T] Natarajan also got injured. And in the second inning, [Mohammed] Siraj and me bowled 9 overs each. And... first time ever we didn't even look at Australians after winning we said go and sit back in your dressing room,” Shardul said.