Despite a battered and bruised batting line-up, further weakened by the notable absence of their regular captain and arguably best batsman Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team braved all odds to eke out a remarkable draw against Australia on Day 5 of the 3rd Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

With 97 overs to play and eight wickets in hand, India faced an uphill battle against a full-strength Australian bowling attack on the fifth day. But, two crucial partnerships, that came on the back of resilient and defiant batting performances, saw the tourists leaving the hosts frustrated and perhaps dejected.

What a remarkable performance by Team India. Once again great show of resilience under grave provocation, spate of injuries and several key players missing. Bravo! #AUSvsIND

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 11, 2021

While Rishabh Pant (97) and Cheteshwar Pujara (77), adding 148 runs for the fourth wicket, set up India's fight early on Day 5, the determination of Ravichandran Ashwin (39*) and Hanuma Vihari (23*), who added an unbeaten 62 for the sixth wicket, kept victory at bay for Australia.

In what was arguably one of the finest rearguard actions in Indian cricket, Ajinkya Rahane-led brigade garnered plaudits for their great show of character which was thoroughly displayed during their batting performance on the final day. 

While everyone had nothing praise for Team India, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla wasn't convinced about their performance.

Actually the middle order could have performed little better and we would have won the match. @BCCI

— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) January 11, 2021

Amid all the plaudits, Indian batting unit copped up some criticism from Shukla who felt that the middle-order could have performed a bit better. 

He further claimed that if it wasn't for the middle-order batsmen's ordinary performance, India would have won the match at the SCG. "Actually the middle order could have performed little better and we would have won the match," Shukla tweeted.

While Shukla made his point, Indian cricket fans weren't too impressed. Taking the BCCI VP to the task, fans took turns to give Shukla a piece of their mind.

Rajivji you can’t be serious. This is the best we have seen them perform in a long time.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 11, 2021

Typical Indian parent

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) January 11, 2021

Stupidest comment I have seen 🤦🏼‍♂️

— Suryanarayan Ganesh (@gsurya) January 11, 2021

Sir aap bina injury k bhi Hanuma Vihari ki tarah nahi daud sakte aur gyaan bhramhand ka de rahe 🤷🏻‍♂️

— mthn lawyer (@Being_Humor) January 11, 2021

Aise log sirf gyaan dena jaante hain bhai..
Kaun deta hai inhe free ka internet aur faaltu ka gyaan?

— Sambodhan (@sambodhan3) January 11, 2021

Actually this tweet is an embarrassment and should be deleted

— Ajay Kamath (@ajay43) January 11, 2021

Sir apne election jeet lo pehle , aise Twitter pe kam bakchodi karoge fir

— the twittologer ; (@thetwittologer) January 11, 2021

Chacha ji so jao ..

— MONA (@gungun200305) January 11, 2021

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