Chandigarh, December 17, 2024 (Navroze Bureau): India finally had some reason to celebrate late in the piece on Day 4 at the Gabba Test match in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as a torrid match so far finally had a silver lining with Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep combining for a crucial 10th-wicket partnership to help India avoid the follow-on. The partnership between the two tail-enders, currently on 39 runs and still going, ensured India did not have to bat again under fading lights on Tuesday.
Bumrah and Akash Deep joined forces when Mohammed Siraj was dismissed and looked competent at the crease, if not thoroughly confident. Both batters played some audacious strokes, including Jasprit Bumrah hooking Australian captain Pat Cummins for six over fine leg, and Akash Deep later smashing a ball into the second tier with extreme confidence.
The celebrations in the dressing room and from the Indian fans in the stands demonstrate just how crucial these runs were for India, who looked in a heap of trouble and destined to follow-on after regular wickets for Australia pegged them back throughout the day’s play. Indian fans rejoiced, and were relieved at the duo bailing India out of trouble. Social media was flooded with memes comparing Bumrah and Akash Deep to VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid.
The hilarious reactions, however, also served as a crude reminder to India’s top order, which has failed to fire in the series repeatedly. Captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli have been under fire for repeatedly getting out in the same manner.
Summary: Jasprit Bumrah’s batting heroics spark memes aimed at Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, reminding them of their struggles as the pacer steps up to save India.