Thread by @gauravsabnis

Dear 2001 #IndvAus series,

We regret to inform you that you are no longer the most memorable story-filled emotion inducing series India has ever played.

Sincerely,
2021

Btw right after 2001, it wasn't instantly considered GOAT. Many of my uncles argued, justifiably, that 1986 England was still the best cos away. Only with passing years was 2001 was considered GOAT regardless of venue or even because of. Similarly this series will age well.

For me personally, nothing will ever match 2018 cos a series win in Australia was something I'd been hungry for since childhood. But I think just in terms of the legends and stories spawned over the years, this one, I think, will surpass 2001. It's overstuffed with drama.

Also perhaps unpopular opinion but 2001 gets built up a bit too much. I mean india had just comfortably hammered almost the same Australian team in india in 1998. Even in Bombay 01, india had them on the mat before a Gilchrist special took it away. Not exactly David Goliath.

The underdogginess in this series is just off the charts. 2001 and 2018 were two top teams fighting hard and india prevailing. This is more of a cannons to the left of them cannons to the right of them territory. This is going to endure way longer.

The only thing that hypes up 2001 is that after losing in 1998, Australia had gone on to beat almost everyone in their homes, and were on a historic winning streak. But they were still going to a country they hadn't won a series in since 1970. Against a hardened indian side.

In hindsight, that streak was bound to end in India. India were stronger than 1998. That it didn't end in Bombay and with a 3-0 whitewash is almost entirely because of one Adam Gilchrist innings.