“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 revelation

A Tactical Tug-of-War Behind the Scenes

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy of 2020-21 remains etched in the annals of cricketing history as one of the most resilient displays of grit, determination, and tactical brilliance ever witnessed. While the images of India lifting the trophy at the Gabba are iconic, the internal dynamics of that final day in Brisbane have long been a subject of intrigue. Recently, spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin provided a significant insight into the decision-making process that paved the way for one of the greatest run chases in the sport’s history.

According to Ashwin, the Indian dressing room was not entirely unanimous regarding the strategy for the final session. As the target of 328 runs loomed, the coaching staff, led by then-head coach Ravi Shastri, was reportedly leaning towards a cautious approach, prioritizing a draw to ensure the series remained balanced. However, the leadership dynamic shifted when it came to the belief in the team’s aggressive potential.

The Role of Rohit Sharma in the Historic Chase

Ashwin revealed that while Shastri was focused on safety, Rohit Sharma held a firm belief in the attacking capabilities of Rishabh Pant. The sentiment was clear: “Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win.” This backing from the senior leadership proved pivotal. It empowered Pant to play his natural game, turning a high-pressure scenario into an opportunity for an improbable series-deciding victory.

The impact of this decision cannot be overstated. By giving the green light for an aggressive pursuit of the target, the team management allowed Pant to dictate terms to the Australian bowling attack, which had enjoyed an unbeaten record at the Gabba since 1988.

Pant’s Journey to the Gabba Heroics

Rishabh Pant’s performance in that series was nothing short of extraordinary. Having missed the first Test in Adelaide, he was under immense pressure to prove his worth on the biggest stage. His confidence grew steadily throughout the tour. In the second Test at Melbourne, his quick-fire 29 in the first innings provided valuable momentum, contributing to an emphatic eight-wicket win for the visitors.

The momentum continued into the Sydney Test, where Pant played a blistering knock of 97 in the second innings. Despite battling a painful elbow injury, he launched a counter-attack against the hosts that brought India agonisingly close to a victory that many had written off. This innings set the stage for his masterclass in Brisbane.

Defining Moments in the Final Session

Chasing 328 on the final day, the Indian lineup faced a monumental challenge. With the early loss of Rohit Sharma and the eventual dismissal of Shubman Gill after a sublime 91, the task appeared daunting. Even captain Ajinkya Rahane’s departure left the team in a precarious position. However, Pant remained the constant anchor, stitching together vital partnerships with Cheteshwar Pujara and Washington Sundar.

Ultimately, Pant finished the series as India’s highest run-scorer, accumulating 274 runs across three Tests at a remarkable average of 68.50. His unbeaten 89 in the Brisbane second innings will forever be remembered as the knock that broke Australia’s fortress. The successful chase of 162 runs in the final session is a testament to the bravery, strategy, and sheer belief that defined that Indian squad.

A Legacy of Belief

The revelation by Ravichandran Ashwin serves as a reminder that cricket is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. The internal push-and-pull between defensive tactics and attacking intent is a hallmark of high-stakes Test cricket. In this instance, the faith shown by Rohit Sharma in the explosive talent of Rishabh Pant tipped the scales in favor of an aggressive victory.

That 2-1 series win remains a defining moment for modern Indian cricket, highlighting the team’s ability to overcome a string of injuries and the absence of key senior players. By choosing to chase the win rather than settling for a stalemate, India not only secured a historic result but also inspired a generation of cricket fans with the belief that no target is too high when the intent is right.