He has often been ridiculed for his outlandish comments and claims, but there is no denying the role Ravi Shastri played in keeping his bruised, battered and quarantined boys together even when they were left to climb an Everest at times. He operated quietly in the background, keeping up the spirits when the going got tough and at the same time, plotting an audacious onslaught on the Australians.

After India’s surreal success at the Gabba on Tuesday, India’s head coach was uncharacteristically restrained in the post-match virtual media conference, but the typical Shastrian pride in his team still oozed in abundance from his voice. And this time, it did not seem misplaced at all.

“To come here and take on Australia in their own backyard, the world knows how tough it is. To go through these quarantine periods and have multiple injuries right through, to be bowled out for 36 in Adelaide and then to come back and play like absolute champions is simply unreal.

“The penny has still not dropped and it will take a long time to drop. It’s been unreal, unimaginable and simply superb, especially the resolve boys have shown throughout.

“Feeling defeated is one thing, but giving up is not in our sphere and that’s what this team has shown,” Shastri said.

Known for his tough shell, Shastri admitted that even he turned emotional at the end of the match. “I’m not someone who generally has tears in the eyes, but I did have today. Because, this is unreal. What these guys have pulled off will go down as one of the greatest series ever played.

“For sure, this has been the toughest tour ever. Nothing comes closer to it. This surpasses all,” Shastri emphasised.

And while he praised the “calm and composed” Ajinkya Rahane for handling the leadership duties fantastically,

Shastri also pointed out the contribution of regular captain Virat Kohli. “You must give credit to Virat. He may not be here but his character, his personality and stamp (in the team) is there for everyone to see.”

And what’s the job of a coach? “It’s about ensuring the players’ mindset and thought processes are clear without complicating matters,” he pointed out.

Praise for Pant

Shastri also lauded a more mature Rishabh Pant. “Rishabh is a good listener.

He realises his natural game and he knows he has to strike the right balance between caution and aggression. Sometimes you can be reckless, but this game teaches you to learn. He was disappointed for his shot in Sydney, but he learnt from it and made sure he was there till the end this time.”