The Indian team's heroics in Australia have earned them much praise and respect from not just within India, but outside as well. It was the youngsters that stepped up in the absence of the senior players and delivered a historic win at the Gabba on the final day of the fourth test. The team, especially the youngsters have found yet another admirer –Anand Mahindra. The Chairman of the Mahindra Group announced that he would be gifting the new Thar SUVs to six young members of the Indian team.
Mahindra made the announcement on Twitter. “Six young men made their debuts in the recent historic series #INDvAUS (Shardul's 1 earlier appearance was short-lived due to injury) They've made it possible for future generations of youth in India to dream & Explore the Impossible. Theirs are true 'Rise' stories; overcoming daunting odds in the pursuit of excellence. They serve as an inspiration in all arenas of life. It gives me great personal pleasure to gift each of these debutants an ALL New THAR SUV on my account –at no expense to the company. The reason for this gift is to exhort young people to believe in themselves & 'Take the road less travelled.' Bravo Mohammed, Shardul, Shubman, Natarajan, Navdeep & Washington! I now plead with @Mahindra_Auto to get them their THARS on priority”, he wrote.
The six youngsters lucky to get the new Thars from Mahindra are Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Natarajan, Subman Gill and Washington Sundar. This is not the first time Anand Mahindra has made such a gesture. In 2017, he had gifted Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth a TUV 300 after he won a Super Series title.
Shubman Gill took to Twitter to thank Mahindra for the gift. He wrote, “Thank you Anand Sir for your words of appreciation and the wonderful car. It's an honour to represent our country and I am striving to give it my all for the nation every time I step on the field”.
All eyes will now be on the Indian team as they host England from February. Despite having the home advantage, India will have a tough job on their hands against a formidable looking England squad.