Remember India’s triumphing win over Australia at their fort Gabba. The same Gabba where Australia has not lost a Test match since 1988. India brought an end to Australia’s 32-year-long unbeaten streak at The Gabba. India won the series 2-1 after getting all out at just 36 runs in the first Test. Virat Kohli flew back to India after the first Test due to the birth of his first child.
India made a remarkable comeback in the second Test match in Melbourne. The stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane scored a 100 and India won the Test match. The third Test match ended in a draw, thanks to Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari’s marathon display of batting.
Gabba Test
The final Test was at Gabba, Brisbane. The Indian team was without the services of their players Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Hanuma Vihari due to injuries. India needed over 300 runs to win the Test on the final day. Ravichandran Ashwin who played a crucial role in the series reminisced about the final day of the Gabba Test.
Ravi Shastri Wanted A Draw
Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that Ravi Shastri, the then head coach of Team India wanted a draw in the Gabba Test on the final day. The partnership between Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara kept all three results alive. India could have retained the trophy even if the result ended in a draw. Ravichandran Ashwin recalled during a conversation with Sports Yaari and told that the coach Ravi Shastri wanted a draw but Rishabh Pant has different plans. In an interaction with Sports Yaari, Ravichandran Ashwin said,
“It’s very difficult to understand what’s going on in his (Pant’s) mind. He can do anything. He’s so incredibly blessed with ability that he thinks he can hit a six every ball. Sometimes, it’s difficult to keep him calm. In Sydney, Puji tried to keep him calm but he eventually missed the century.”
“In this Test (fourth Test at Gabba), Ravi bhai wanted a draw. Because we could’ve drawn the match. But everyone had a different plan! I asked Jinx, “are we going for a win?” and he said, “He (Rishabh Pant) is playing his own game. We will see how it goes.” The moment Washi went in and scored brisk 20 odd runs, our plan changed. Washi made a very important contribution as well.”
Ravichandran Ashwin said it is hard to understand the mindset of Rishabh Pant as he can hit any ball out of the park. Thank You Rishabh Pant for that wonderful innings and made India win one of the most memorable Test series.
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