“Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win”: Ravichandran Ashwin makes – Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win: Ravichandran Ashwin makes stunning Gabba revelation
The Tactical Tug-of-War at the Gabba
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy of 2020-21 remains etched in the memory of every cricket fan as one of the most miraculous series victories in the history of the sport. While the final outcome—a three-wicket win at the Gabba—is well-documented, the internal dynamics leading up to that victory have only recently come to light. Star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has provided a gripping account of the differing schools of thought that collided in the Indian dressing room on that final day.
The Dueling Philosophies
Ashwin recently opened up about the internal debate that occurred while India was chasing a daunting target of 328 runs against an Australian side that had not lost a Test match at the Gabba since 1988. According to the veteran spinner, the leadership team was divided on the best approach to the final session of the match.
As per Ashwin’s revelation, the then-head coach Ravi Shastri was initially inclined to play for a draw to ensure the series remained alive. However, the captaincy-minded Rohit Sharma held a vastly different view. Ashwin 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 backing from Rohit provided the necessary impetus for the team to play with the aggressive intent that eventually dismantled the Australian bowling attack.
Rishabh Pant: The Man of the Hour
Rishabh Pant, having received the ultimate vote of confidence from the team leadership, stepped onto the field with a singular focus. His unbeaten 89 remains one of the finest displays of counter-attacking cricket ever seen in the fourth innings of a Test match. He didn’t just survive; he dominated.
Pant’s innings was not an isolated incident of brilliance but the culmination of a series where he found his true rhythm. After missing the first Test in Adelaide, Pant returned with a point to prove. His quick-fire 29 in the second Test at Melbourne set the tone, and his heroic 97 in Sydney—battling through physical pain—showed the world that he was ready to take on the responsibility of a match-winner. By the time the team arrived in Brisbane, Pant was in peak form and brimming with determination.
A Historic Chase
The chase of 328 was not without its trials. India lost early wickets, including the captain Rohit Sharma and the promising Shubman Gill, who had contributed a magnificent 91. When Ajinkya Rahane departed, the pressure was immense. However, the partnerships built by Pant, particularly with Cheteshwar Pujara and Washington Sundar, allowed India to score 162 runs in the final session alone.
This victory was even more remarkable given the state of the Indian squad at the time. With numerous first-choice players sidelined due to injuries, the team relied on grit, fresh talent, and a belief that extended beyond the conventional wisdom of the time. The debuts of Washington Sundar and T Natarajan added to the narrative of a team that refused to yield to adversity.
A Lasting Legacy
The 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory was not just about the runs scored or the wickets taken; it was about the mindset of the players involved. Rishabh Pant concluded the series as India’s highest run-getter, accumulating 274 runs at an impressive average of 68.50. His performance at the Gabba cemented his status as a modern-day match-winner.
Reflecting on these events, it becomes clear that the series win was a combination of tactical bravery and individual brilliance. By trusting an attacking player like Pant to dictate the terms, the Indian team proved that fortune often favors the bold. The revelation from Ashwin adds a layer of depth to the legend of the Gabba, highlighting that sometimes, the most important victory happens in the mind before it ever takes place on the cricket field.
