(Image Source: AFP)
[Saba Sports News] On January 19, 2021, Rishabh Pant, Gabba, and a chase of 329 became legendary in Indian cricket history. Facing Australia with a weakened team – missing Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin – India clinched a historic three-wicket victory at Brisbane, a stronghold where Australia hadn’t lost since 1989. In the deciding Test of a tough series, India, led by Pant, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Shubman Gill’s heroic batting, toppled Australia, marking their second consecutive series win there.
The match was a rollercoaster, with India battling through injuries and intense gameplay. Mohammed Siraj, in only his third Test, led the bowling attack amidst injuries to key players. Australia posted 369, but India’s response, despite a shaky start, was bolstered by an unexpected partnership between Shardul Thakur and debutant Washington Sundar.
Australia’s second innings ended at 294, setting India a daunting target. With a dismal record at the Gabba and a high chase ahead, India faced an uphill task. Gill and Pujara set the stage with a resilient partnership, with Gill’s aggressive 91 and Pujara enduring physical blows. Pant’s dynamic batting kept India in the hunt, despite some shaky moments.
After Pujara’s and a few others’ dismissals, the pressure mounted, but Pant’s unbeaten 89 guided India to a triumphant chase, breaching the ‘Fortress Gabba’ and securing a 2-1 series victory. This win, coming after the Adelaide debacle, was a dream come true, epitomizing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.