December 3, 2024: It seems like the Indian team is in high spirits as they prepare for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide. While their victory in the first Test has given them a significant mental and physical edge over Australia, the squad is not taking themselves too seriously—evident from the light-hearted moments shared before the serious business of cricket begins.
The video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave fans a glimpse of the fun and camaraderie among the team members. One standout moment was when opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who impressed with a brilliant 161 in Perth, got himself stuck behind a glass wall at the airport. Rohit Sharma couldn’t help but laugh and joke, “Phas gya woh (He is stuck).” Shubman Gill added his own spin, saying it was a “no entry zone” and that the door would open if Jaiswal got closer to it. This playful banter shows the team’s relaxed mood despite the intense series ahead.
The humor didn’t stop there. At a shop, as Washington Sundar tried on a new hat, Sarfaraz Khan quipped, “Mogambo lagega (You will look like Mogambo),” referencing the famous Bollywood villain. Washington, ever the quick-witted, responded, “I look like a magician.” This little exchange lightened the mood even further, a far cry from the pressure of Test cricket.
With all the laughter, the visitors are definitely looking forward to the challenge ahead, but they will also be aware of the ghosts of the 2020 Adelaide Test, when they were bundled out for just 36 runs in their second innings—the lowest ever score in Test history for India. The squad would surely be keen to exorcise those demons and avoid a repeat of that nightmarish collapse.
On the other hand, Australia, coming off a heavy defeat in Perth, will be looking to regroup and bounce back strongly. With key players like Steve Smith still recovering from an injury scare and Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to a side strain, they will need a strong collective effort to challenge India, especially with the pink ball in Adelaide, which tends to behave unpredictably.
In summary, India’s squad, with all the fun and banter, certainly seems to be in high spirits, but the task ahead is serious. The second Test promises to be a cracking contest, with both teams having plenty to prove. The question remains—will India continue their dominance, or can Australia fight back on their home turf? The Adelaide Test is set to be a thrilling chapter in this fierce rivalry.