Beyond Boundaries: My 2025 Reading Marathon kicks off with Cricket Fever, Part 2

Part 2 : The Miracle Makers, By Bharat Sundaresan

Yes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 concluded on a disheartening note for Indian cricket fans. For those of us who closely followed the series, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Personally, I was deeply disappointed—not merely because we lost the series, but because, at some point, it felt as though our batsmen lost their edge, their spark, and the intent that often defines champions. Through this post, I share my personal reflections on the series—ones that may resonate with some and diverge from others.

It was truly heartbreaking to witness Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggle so consistently in such a crucial series. Their lack of form drew inevitable comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar’s slump during the 2004 series—until that iconic 241 at Sydney, where he showcased extraordinary discipline in curbing his off-side instincts. Many of us hoped Virat would channel a similar resolve, refining his technique and regaining his rhythm. As for Rohit, the "Hitman," we longed to see him power his way out of the slump with one of those explosive, game-changing innings.

There were also high expectations from Rishabh Pant—to temper his flamboyance with restraint when the situation demanded and rekindle the magic of his heroics from the 2020-21 series. On the bowling front, we looked to Mohammed Siraj to share the burden with Jasprit Bumrah, hunting in tandem to unsettle opposition lineups. The early flashes of brilliance from young guns Nitish and Harshit offered a glimmer of hope—new match-winners, perhaps, emerging in our ranks.

However, by the time we reached the Boxing Day Test, the signs were ominous. Ashwin’s absence loomed large, while Virat and Rohit’s struggles persisted. Even Pant, who showed sparks of brilliance, repeatedly fell to ill-timed, reckless shots, extinguishing the hope he briefly ignited.

Amid this disappointment, I turned to the solace of stories—both Miracle Makers and I have The Streets offered a chance to relive the golden moments of Indian cricket, reminding me of the resilience, triumphs, and unforgettable memories that define our love for the game. This post is dedicated to celebrating The Miracle Makers.

"The Miracle Makers" by Bharat Sundaresan and Gaurav Joshi is a captivating chronicle of the iconic 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India. This gripping narrative encapsulates the drama, resilience, and sheer brilliance of a series hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in cricketing history. Here are some standout highlights from the book:

• Adversity and Resilience: The series opened with a crushing blow for India, as they suffered a humiliating defeat in the first Test in Adelaide, bowled out for a record-low 36 runs. Yet, despite this devastating start, the team showcased extraordinary grit and determination to stage a comeback. Adding to their challenges, Virat Kohli departed the tour for personal reasons—a significant setback for the side. What sets The Miracle Makers apart is its vivid narration of how the Indian team, undeterred by adversity, adhered to their meticulously crafted plans. Ravi Shastri and Bharat Arun, pivotal figures in the coaching staff, had laid the groundwork well in advance of the tour. Their strategic foresight and preparation, as described in the book, included devising specific tactics to counter the formidable Australians in their own backyard. The book also delves into the emergence of unexpected heroes—players who rose to the occasion when the odds seemed insurmountable. From pre-tour planning to the decisive moments on the field, the narrative paints a compelling picture of resilience and the indomitable spirit of the Indian team during this unforgettable chapter in cricketing history.
  
  
• Injury Challenges: Throughout the series, India grappled with an unrelenting wave of injuries that sidelined several key players. Yet, against all odds, the team fielded a competitive side, underscoring the incredible depth of Indian cricketing talent. Whether by sheer fortune or strategic foresight, the decision to retain some of the India A bowlers for net sessions—necessitated by COVID-19 quarantine protocols and other restrictions—proved to be a masterstroke. These bowlers played a crucial role in preparing the Indian batters, simulating the various lengths, speeds, and bounce they would face on Australian pitches. 
  
  
• Leadership and Team Spirit: Stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership was instrumental in India’s remarkable turnaround. His calm demeanor and sharp strategic acumen united the team, inspiring them to perform as a cohesive and determined unit. The book vividly illustrates Rahane’s approach as interim captain, highlighting his unique leadership style—humble, empathetic, yet decisive. Rahane’s ability to collaborate effectively with Bharat Arun and Ravi Shastri ensured that plans were not only formulated but executed to perfection. He led by example, embodying the principle of “walking the talk,” which resonated deeply with the team. This leadership style starkly contrasts with the challenges faced during the 2024-25 series under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. While Rohit struggled to inspire the same coherence, even Virat Kohli—often seen taking charge on the field—couldn’t let his bat do the talking when the team needed it most.
  
  
• Memorable Performances: The series was marked by unforgettable performances, including Ajinkya Rahane’s majestic century in Melbourne, Rishabh Pant’s fearless batting heroics, and the impactful debuts of young stars like Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj, who played pivotal roles in India’s triumph. However, the unsung heroes of this campaign deserve equal recognition. Bowlers like T. Natarajan, Navdeep Saini, and others retained from the India A tour proved invaluable. Their relentless efforts in net sessions helped the team prepare for the pace, bounce, and challenges they would face on Australian pitches. Even more crucial was the role of the coaching staff—Ravi Shastri, Bharat Arun, and others—who demonstrated a relentless yet pragmatic approach. Their ability to balance intensity with adaptability, while accounting for the ground realities, was instrumental in keeping the team focused and prepared for every challenge that came their way.
  
  
• Historic Victory at the Gabba: The series reached its climax with a historic victory for India at the Gabba in Brisbane, a fortress where Australia had remained unbeaten in Test cricket for 32 years. India's triumph in the final Test secured a 2-1 series victory, etching an unforgettable chapter in Indian cricket history. While most of us as TV viewers celebrated the on-field heroics, The Miracle Makers takes us behind the scenes, unveiling years of meticulous planning and strategy that laid the foundation for this success. The book sheds light on the extensive preparation that spanned 2-3 years—studying videos to decipher the strengths and weaknesses of Australian batters, crafting specific strategies such as Ashwin’s precise plan to target Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, and refining the leg-stump line that proved pivotal at the Gabba—a testament to Bharat Arun’s tactical brilliance. The narrative captures the immense thought, effort, and execution that transformed an uphill battle into a glorious triumph.
  
  
• Cultural and Emotional Impact: Beyond the on-field heroics, The Miracle Makers delves into the cultural and emotional significance of the series, capturing the immense pride and joy it brought to Indian fans around the globe. The book also sheds light on the challenges the team faced off the field, from the infamous crowd abuse directed at Mohammed Siraj to the fiery stump mic exchanges—whether it was Tim Paine’s barbs aimed at Ashwin or the now-iconic banter with Rishabh Pant. These distractions could have easily derailed the team’s focus, but their ability to rise above the noise and stay locked in on their objectives speaks volumes about their mental strength and resilience.

Reading this book gave me a profound appreciation for all that happens behind the scenes—details we often overlook as fans, quick to criticize when the team falters and leaves us disheartened. Players like Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, and many others poured their hearts and souls into the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Undoubtedly, the same dedication was present during the 2024-25 series as well.

So, where did India lose its way this time? Did we miss the calm, strategic guile of Ajinkya Rahane and the tenacity of Cheteshwar Pujara that proved pivotal in 2020-21? Siraj, as always, bowled with immense heart, but it felt as though luck deserted him—those agonizing plays and misses could have been edges snatched by the keeper or slips on another day. Despite the team's evident preparation and commitment, something was amiss—the fire, the momentum, especially from the senior players, seemed to wane when it was needed most.

The frustration and disappointment I felt gradually subsided as I immersed myself in The Miracle Makers. Bharat Sundaresan's detailed and gripping account of the 2020-21 BGT series celebrates not just cricket but the triumph of resilience, strategy, and the underdog spirit. It’s no surprise that Ravi Shastri, in his interview with the author, hails this as one of the greatest wins in Indian cricket history. Beating Australia in their backyard with a team nearly unrecognizable due to injuries is nothing short of legendary.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to cricket enthusiasts and, especially, to die-hard fans of Team India. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to relive the glory and grit of one of the most inspiring chapters in Indian cricket history.