Ravichandran Ashwin recently revealed details of a key tactical discussion during the Brisbane Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (GT) 2020-21. Ashwin said that then-head coach Ravi Shastri initially preferred playing for a draw, but Rohit Sharma backed Rishabh Pant to chase the target and push for victory against Australia.
The Men in Blue achieved the famous three-wicket win over Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on January 19, 2021. Chasing 328 runs on the final day, the visitors successfully completed the chase and ended Australia's long unbeaten run at the venue, securing a memorable 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victory.
Rohit Sharma Wanted Rishabh Pant To Go For The Win - Ravichandran Ashwin
Speaking at the ESPNcricinfo Awards, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed the different views within the Indian dressing room during the final day of the Brisbane Test. Ashwin said that Ravi Shastri preferred securing a draw, while Rohit Sharma believed Rishabh Pant could lead India to a famous victory.
"Ravi Shastri wanted to go for draw in the 2020-21 BGT, but Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win," Ashwin revealed.
Ravichandran Ashwin said Ravi Shastri wanted go for draw, but Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win in the 2020–21 BGT. pic.twitter.com/4GL2PGKnUP
— Harshit (@I_am_Harshit_17) May 31, 2026
Pant justified that faith with a match-winning unbeaten 89. He stitched together crucial partnerships with Cheteshwar Pujara and Washington Sundar as India chased down 328 runs, including 162 in the final session, to secure one of the greatest victories in Test cricket history.
Rishabh Pant Used Adelaide Snub As Motivation During Australia Tour
Rishabh Pant had extra motivation throughout the 2020-21 tour of Australia. After missing the first Test in Adelaide, he was determined to make an impact and prove his value at the highest level of international cricket.
Pant made a useful contribution in the second Test in Melbourne, scoring a quick 29 runs in the first innings. India went on to register an emphatic eight-wicket victory, leveling the series and giving the wicketkeeper-batter valuable confidence heading into the remaining matches.
He then played a stunning innings in the Sydney Test, scoring 97 in the second innings. Despite taking a painful blow to his elbow earlier in the match, Pant attacked the Australian bowlers and brought India close to an unlikely victory before eventually being dismissed.
Rishabh Pant Capped Gabba Triumph With Series-Defining Performance
Many consider India's victory at the Gabba one of the greatest run chases in Test cricket history. The team chased down 328 runs at a venue where Australia had not lost a Test match since 1988.
India entered the match without several first-choice players because of injuries. The team handed Test debuts to Washington Sundar and T Natarajan. Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari had earlier helped save the Sydney Test with a memorable rearguard effort.
During the chase, India lost Rohit Sharma early, while Shubman Gill fell for a brilliant 91. Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed soon after, leaving Pant to guide the visitors home with a match-winning innings in Brisbane.
Rishabh Pant finished the series as India's highest run-scorer. He scored 274 runs in three Tests at an average of 68.50 and played a crucial role in one of the most memorable series wins in Indian cricket history.
Also read: Rishabh Pant targets Delhi Capitals comeback after LSG exit; KKR and a 'big team' also interested
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