“Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win”: Ravichandran Ashwin makes Huge Revelation on Gabba Test Triumph
Cricket fans are still buzzing about India’s incredible Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia during the 2020-21 season, especially the heroic win at the Gabba. Now, a fascinating behind-the-scenes detail has emerged, courtesy of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. He recently revealed a key tactical discussion from the dramatic final day of the Brisbane Test, sharing how different viewpoints shaped India’s approach to an unforgettable chase. The most striking revelation is that “Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win,” a bold strategy that ultimately paid off handsomely.
The Historic Gabba Chase and a Clash of Strategies
The Men in Blue achieved an iconic three-wicket victory over Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on January 19, 2021. Chasing a daunting target of 328 runs on the final day, the visiting side successfully completed the chase, thereby ending Australia’s formidable 32-year unbeaten run at the venue. This monumental win not only sealed a memorable 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victory for India but also etched its name into the annals of Test cricket history as one of the greatest run-chases ever witnessed.
Speaking at the ESPNcricinfo Awards, Ravichandran Ashwin provided a candid glimpse into the Indian dressing room’s differing views during that tension-filled final day. Ashwin disclosed that while then-head coach Ravi Shastri initially leaned towards playing for a draw, a different voice emerged. It was Rohit Sharma, then a senior player, who firmly believed in Rishabh Pant’s ability to lead India to a famous victory by pushing for the target. Ashwin explicitly stated, “Ravi Shastri wanted to go for draw in the 2020-21 BGT, but Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win.” This divergence in opinion highlights the immense pressure and the critical decision-making process that unfolded during those crucial moments.
Pant’s Heroics: Justifying the Faith
Rishabh Pant, known for his fearless approach and match-winning capabilities, spectacularly justified the faith placed in him, especially by Rohit Sharma. He delivered an unbeaten 89 runs, an innings that transcended mere numbers and became a symbol of audacious grit. Pant forged crucial partnerships, first with the resilient Cheteshwar Pujara and later with the composed Washington Sundar. Together, they meticulously chipped away at the target, with India remarkably chasing down 162 runs in the final session alone. This extraordinary effort culminated in one of the most celebrated victories in the rich history of Test cricket, a testament to Pant’s temperament and skill under immense pressure.
Rishabh Pant’s Transformative Tour Down Under
Throughout the 2020-21 tour of Australia, Rishabh Pant carried an extra layer of motivation. Having missed the first Test in Adelaide, he was acutely determined to make a substantial impact and emphatically prove his immense value at the highest echelons of international cricket. This personal quest for redemption and recognition fueled his aggressive yet calculated performances.
Crucial Contributions in Melbourne and Sydney
Pant made a valuable contribution in the second Test in Melbourne, scoring a quickfire 29 runs in the first innings. This crucial knock, though not his highest score, provided much-needed impetus to India’s total. India went on to register an emphatic eight-wicket victory in that match, leveling the series and, perhaps more importantly, instilling invaluable confidence in the young wicketkeeper-batter heading into the remaining, even more challenging, matches.
His form continued to build, culminating in a stunning innings during the Sydney Test. Despite taking a painful blow to his elbow earlier in the match, an injury that would have deterred many, Pant showcased remarkable bravery and determination. He unleashed an aggressive assault on the Australian bowlers, scoring a brilliant 97 runs in the second innings. His audacious batting brought India tantalizingly close to an unlikely victory, demonstrating his ability to turn the tide of a match single-handedly before his eventual dismissal. These performances set the stage for his Gabba heroics.
The Unforgettable Gabba Fortress Breached
India’s victory at the Gabba is widely regarded as one of the greatest run chases in the entire history of Test cricket, and for good reason. The team managed to chase down 328 runs at a venue where Australia had maintained an unbroken record of not losing a Test match since 1988 – an astonishing 32-year streak. The sheer audacity and execution of this chase against such a formidable record make it truly exceptional.
Adding to the incredible narrative, India entered the match severely depleted, without several first-choice players due to a relentless string of injuries. The team was forced to hand Test debuts to promising talents like Washington Sundar and T Natarajan, who rose to the occasion with remarkable composure. This was after Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari had earlier heroically helped save the Sydney Test with a memorable rearguard effort, showcasing the depth and fighting spirit of the Indian squad.
Key Moments in the Chase
During the pivotal run chase at the Gabba, India faced early setbacks. The experienced Rohit Sharma fell relatively early, adding pressure to the scoreboard. However, young Shubman Gill played a magnificent innings, scoring a brilliant 91 runs that set the tone and kept India in the hunt. Captain Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed soon after, leaving the immense responsibility on Rishabh Pant to guide the visitors home. With nerves of steel and an aggressive mindset, Pant delivered the match-winning innings in Brisbane, steering India to a victory that will be remembered for generations.
Rishabh Pant emerged from the series as India’s highest run-scorer, accumulating an impressive 274 runs across three Tests at an outstanding average of 68.50. His crucial contributions, marked by fearlessness and timely aggression, played an indispensable role in securing one of the most memorable and hard-fought series wins in the glorious history of Indian cricket. The revelation from Ravichandran Ashwin only further underscores the pivotal role of tactical leadership and individual brilliance in achieving such monumental success.
