'Never ever underestimate the Indians' - Justin Langer on Australia's historic loss against India

Australia’s head coach Justin Langer was all praises for the young Indian team after they conquered the Border Gavaskar Trophy by 2-1 and defeated Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane. India produced a stunning show in all the matches of the four-match Test series as the debutants and the youngsters took over the responsibility of taking the team to the finish line.

Team India were without the services of their key players as they were marred with injuries but the visiting nation didn’t lack confidence and exhibited nerves of steel. Speaking about the marquee series against India, Langer reckoned that though he is hurt with the loss, India deserves full credit and applause for their grit and determination.

“It was an incredible Test series and in the end there is always a winner or a loser. Today Test cricket is the winner. It’s gonna hurt us big time. India deserved full credit. They have been outstanding but we have learnt lessons from it,” Langer told Channel 7.

Further in the interaction, Justin Langer also revealed that the main lesson he has learned from this series is to never ever underestimate the Men in Blue as they can defeat you anywhere in the world. He was also in awe of India’s comeback in the series after getting bundled out for a paltry total of 36 runs in the first game.

“Never ever underestimate the Indians, 1.5 billion [people in India] and you play in the senior team, you have to be really tough. I can’t compliment India enough. They haven’t gone away after that first Test match which we won in three days, bowled them out for 30 odd. For them to fight back like they did is amazing, credit to them. The big lesson for us is that you can’t take anything for granted. India never got away,” Langer stated.

Justin Langer heaps praises on Rishabh Pant and Shubhman Gill

Rishabh Pant was the wrecker-in-chief for the visitors on the last day of the Brisbane Test as he played a fearless knock of 89 runs to help India chase a mammoth total of 328 runs. Shubman Gill was also impressive with the willow as he held his fort early in the chase by hammering a match-defining knock of 91 runs.

Lauding the two young batsmen, Justin said, “It was an amazing effort. (Rishabh) Pant’s innings somewhat reminded me of Ben Stokes’ innings in Headingley actually. He came in, he was almost fearless and he will be lauded because of it. It was an unbelievable innings.”

“I thought young (Shubman) Gill (91) batted very well. Their young bowling attack kept us under pressure throughout the match and as I said India deserve full credit,” the veteran concluded.