Nitish Kumar Reddy was told to "take a bullet for your country" before top scoring for India on Test debut.
The allrounder - who has received high praise from Australian captain Pat Cummins - who plays with him in the Indian Premier League - impressed in hostile conditions in Perth on day one of the first Test on Friday.
Coming to the crease at 6-73, Reddy used inventive shots in belting 41 to halt Australia's momentum in partnership with Rishabh Pant.
After gaining the call-up to the Test XI, the 21-year-old was given some pertinent advice from India coach Gautam Gambhir.
"I still remember last practice ... after the practice, I had a chat with Gautam, so he was mentioning, when you get any bouncers ... sharp spells, just take onto your shoulders," Reddy said.
"Just feel like you are taking a bullet for your country.
"So that really helped me a lot. Like, that just boosted me up.
"Everyone was talking like there is a good bounce in this wicket.
"He said that thing, and I felt like you need to take bullets for your country.
"That's the best thing I have heard from Gautam."
Reddy's revelation is a boost for Gambhir, who faced fierce criticism after India's historic 3-0 home whitewash defeat to New Zealand.
Before flying out from India to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar battle, Gambhir hit back at Ricky Ponting after the Australia legend criticised the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
India appeared to be a team in disarray before playing Australia, but they finished day one of the first Test completely on top.
The tourists have held the Border-Gavaskar trophy since 2017, with Australia's last Test series win against India coming in 2014-15.
