The intense rivalry between India and Australia continues to captivate cricket fans around the world as the 2024/25 Border Gavaskar Trophy sees both teams locked at 1-1. The series, renowned for its high-stakes matches and thrilling encounters, has reached a critical point, with the ongoing Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) poised for an exciting finish. On Day 5, India is striving to secure a draw, while Australia is targeting a victory to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Amidst the on-field drama, a cryptic social media post from Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari has stirred emotions and evoked memories of a heroic performance that saved India from certain defeat in the 2021 series. His recent tweet, simply stating “Deja Vu,” has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans, who are drawing parallels between the current scenario and Vihari’s unforgettable stand in the Sydney Test three years ago.
The Context: India vs Australia – A Historic Rivalry
India and Australia’s rivalry in Test cricket is legendary, with both teams producing some of the most thrilling matches in recent history. The ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy has been no exception, with India and Australia engaged in a fierce battle that promises to go down as one of the most memorable series in the modern era.
As the series stands at 1-1, the pressure is mounting for both teams. With the third Test match at MCG nearing its conclusion, India’s primary objective is to salvage a draw, which would keep their hopes of winning the series alive. On the other hand, Australia, with their aggressive approach and potent bowling attack, is eyeing a 2-1 series lead, making the final day at Melbourne crucial.
Hanuma Vihari’s Heroic Contribution in the 2021 Sydney Test
Hanuma Vihari’s cryptic “Deja Vu” post on X (formerly Twitter) has undoubtedly captured the attention of cricket fans. To understand the context behind his tweet, one must look back at his iconic role in the third Test of the 2021 Border Gavaskar Trophy at Sydney.
In a dramatic turn of events, India, chasing an improbable draw, found themselves in a dire situation with an injured Vihari partnering with Ravichandran Ashwin to defy the Australian bowlers. With India in a precarious position and needing to bat out an entire day, Vihari’s resilience was put to the ultimate test. The duo faced a relentless Australian attack, with Vihari battling through a hamstring injury.
Their stubborn resistance, particularly in the final hours of the match, was a testament to Vihari’s grit and determination. The pair batted for nearly 42 overs, denying Australia victory and securing a crucial draw for India. The match, widely regarded as one of the greatest Test matches in recent history, ended in a draw, leaving India with a fighting chance in the series.
The significance of that partnership cannot be overstated, as it not only saved the Test match but also kept India’s hopes alive for a series win, which they eventually clinched in the subsequent Test at Brisbane (The Gabba), securing their first-ever series win in Australia.
The Parallels: Vihari’s Tweet and the Current Test
With the 2024/25 Border Gavaskar Trophy now at a pivotal point, fans and experts have begun drawing comparisons between Vihari’s tweet and his famous Sydney heroics. The current Test match in Melbourne mirrors the 2021 Sydney encounter in several ways. India, like they did in Sydney, is fighting to avoid defeat and keep their series aspirations intact. The current scenario, with India needing to hold out and Australia pressing for a win, has created an almost identical atmosphere to that of three years ago.
Adding to the suspense is the fact that India’s young guns, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, are attempting to set up a similar partnership to see their team through. Much like Vihari and Ashwin did in Sydney, Jaiswal and Pant will need to show remarkable resilience in order to survive the Australian onslaught and protect India’s interests in the series.
What’s at Stake in the 4th Test?
As the series heads to its next battle at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting January 3, the stakes are higher than ever. With the series level at 1-1, the outcome of the Sydney Test will be crucial in determining who will take the upper hand in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. India, having shown great character in past encounters, will look to build on their successes and secure a series lead in Sydney. Australia, however, will be determined to assert their dominance and push for a decisive victory.
Hanuma Vihari’s cryptic tweet adds another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be another thrilling encounter between two of the world’s most competitive cricket teams. Fans are hoping that, much like in 2021, India’s batsmen will once again show the resilience and resolve needed to see out Australia’s aggressive challenge.
Conclusion: Cricket’s Unforgettable Moments
In the world of cricket, moments like Hanuma Vihari’s heroic partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin in Sydney and his recent “Deja Vu” tweet embody the spirit of the game—resilience, grit, and the relentless pursuit of victory. As India and Australia continue their battle in the 2024/25 Border Gavaskar Trophy, the series promises to deliver even more unforgettable moments that will be etched in cricketing history.
The 4th Test at the SCG, starting January 3, will be a defining moment for both teams. Whether India can hold on and push for another series win remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the fierce rivalry between India and Australia will continue to captivate fans and keep them on the edge of their seats.
