BCCI hand India squad cash reward for epic series victory over Australia

Needing just a draw in order to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant all made half centuries in a remarkable victory at The Gabba

The BCCI has handed India’s squad a cash reward worth £500,000 following their series victory over Australia.

Needing just a draw in order to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant all made half centuries in a remarkable victory at The Gabba, where Australia were previously unbeaten in 32 years.

The series win came amid a backdrop of injuries to several key players, as well as months spent away in difficult, pandemic-led conditions and allegations of racial abuse during the third Test in Sydney. Virat Kohli, a talisman and captain, left the tour after the first Test to be present for the birth of his first child, with Ajinkya Rahane replacing him at the helm.

A victory founded on elegance, resistance and showmanship: This was Test cricket in all its glory

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said: “We are extremely proud of the series win. Beating Australia in Australia by a young team will remain etched in the history of Indian cricket forever.

“It cannot get better than this. I am so proud of everyone. Congratulations to Ajinkya Rahane and Ravi Shastri and the rest of the touring party for this remarkable feat.”

Jay Shah, the governing body’s honorary secretary, added: “The team overcame the odds, injuries and a tough opposition and showed great character, resolve and courage to win the historic Test series in Australia for the second time in a row. This success on Australian soil will inspire the next generation of cricketers.”