This is the information eBay was privy to :

buyer paid 8th August via managed payments ( when issue arose eBay at very first mention tried to wash their hands and say "PayPal processed that so we can't do anything" ) 

con note generated and uploaded to ebay Sunday 8th August 

online tracking :

10 Aug 2021 1:15 pm Your Parcel Has been Picked Up
10 Aug 2021 3:41 pm Your parcel is in transit
18 Aug 2021 12:42 pm Your parcel is in transit
24 Aug 2021 2:59 pm Your parcel has been accepted in sydney Depot
26 Aug 2021 8:21 am Your parcel is on-board for delivery
27 Aug 2021 12:00 am 1 item has been delivered. Note:3589409

Buyer opened INR 21st August , amidst obvious tracking updates.
Buyer receives approximately 5 messages from us explaining courier delays, tracking page links and parcel movement updates.

eBay gave buyer full refund 27th August, same day item delivered.