Beating Australia in their own backyard was always going to be difficult, but when India lost the ODI series 2-1, the task at hand looked improbable. 

Many had opined that the visitors wouldn't even win a single series Down Under, but India fought back with grit and determination.

After losing two ODIs on the trot, India bounced back to win three consecutive matches (an ODI and two T20Is) to peg Australia back with a 2-1 win in the shortest format. 

But, the biggest test awaited them in the four-match Test series where the tourists were going to compete with the notable absence of key players.

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A dreadful performance at the Adelaide Oval saw India losing the 1st Test, where they were bowled out for a shambolic 36 runs in the second innings, by eight wickets. It was a performance that many saw as a precursor for India's doom in the Test series. 

But, despite regular captain Virat Kohli heading back home for the birth of his first child, Ajinkya Rahane-led India pulled off the impossible in the 2nd Test.

A Rahane special saw the visiting team securing an emphatic eight-wicket win and silencing the critics by levelling the series 1-1. 

If the triumph in Melbourne highlighted their zeal, India's resilient batting display on the final day of the 3rd Test, which allowed them to eke out a draw from the jaws of a certain defeat, defined their character. 

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After toiling hard in three games, it all boiled down to the 4th Test where both the teams fancied their chances to earn the bragging rights. And, contrary to popular perception, a young and fairly inexperienced Indian brigade braved all odds and triumphed against a full-strength Australian side. 

The likes of Thangarasu Natarajan, Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar took three wickets apiece to restrict the hosts to 369 runs in the first innings. 

In reply, India found themselves in a spot of bother but Sundar (62) and Thakur (67) stepped up with the bat to save them the blushes. Mohammed Siraj (5-73) and Thakur (4-61) ran through the Australian batting order to ensure they couldn't score more than 294 runs in the second innings.

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Chasing 328 runs to eventually pull off a commendable win, India were aided by Shubman Gill (91) and Cheteshwar Pujara (56) early on. 

But, it was Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 89-run knock that powered India to a sensational three-wicket win, leaving the hosts red-faced at the Gabba. For someone who has been criticised for the lack of maturity, Pant showed great courage and produced one of his finest batting performances to get his side over the line in the dying moments of the final session at the Gabba.

India's remarkable win also brought an end to Australia's 32-year-old unbeaten run at the 'Fortress Gabba'. And, the fact that the Rahane brigade sealed a 2-1 series win without the likes of Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah at various points, further sums up their massive achievement.

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While their 2-1 series win on the 2018-19 tour remains memorable, a depleted India's latest triumph Down Under is much more significant. 

Though there weren't many in the stands at the Gabba to witness the turn of events, India's impressive show garnered plaudits from cricket pundits and fans alike across the globe.

We are all overjoyed at the success of the Indian Cricket Team in Australia. Their remarkable energy and passion was visible throughout. So was their stellar intent, remarkable grit and determination. Congratulations to the team! Best wishes for your future endeavours.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2021

WHAT A WIN!!! Yessssss. To everyone who doubted us after Adelaide, stand up and take notice. Exemplary performance but the grit and determination was the standout for us the whole way. Well done to all the boys and the management. Enjoy this historic feat lads. Cheers 🏼🇮🇳 @BCCI pic.twitter.com/CgWElgOOO1

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 19, 2021

EVERY SESSION WE DISCOVERED A NEW HERO.
Every time we got hit, we stayed put & stood taller. We pushed boundaries of belief to play fearless but not careless cricket. Injuries & uncertainties were countered with poise & confidence. One of the greatest series wins!
Congrats India. pic.twitter.com/ZtCChUURLV

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 19, 2021

Khushi ke maare pagal. This is the new India. Ghar mein ghuskar maarta hai.
From what happened in Adelaide to this, these young guys have given us a joy of a lifetime. There have been World Cup wins but this is special.
And yes,there is a reason Pant is extra special . pic.twitter.com/3CAQIkAuwq

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 19, 2021

Wow .. That has to go down as one of the greatest if not the greatest Test victory of all time !! Egg on my face over here in the UK .. but I love to see character & skill .. India have it in abundance .. btw @RealShubmanGill & @RishabhPant17 are future superstars ! #AUSvIND

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 19, 2021

Historic series win for Team India! Youngsters delivered when it mattered, with Gilll and Pant in the forefront. Hats off to Ravi Shastri and the support staff for their part in this turnaround! So so proud of this bunch, this is one for the ages #AUSvsIND

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 19, 2021

Many congratulations Team India for the fabulous show of character and skill. A wonderful test series with the perfect result. Hopefully the end of discussion of 4 day tests for a while. #INDvsAUS

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) January 19, 2021

WHAT A TEAM!! CHAMPIONS Historic moment, historic day, historic series! Proud of the team, proud of the effort Take a bow, #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 @BCCI

— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) January 19, 2021

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