Pant and Sundar's partnership of 53 runs helped India achieve historic victory at Gabba, Brisbane.
Team India’s Brisbane Test hero Rishabh Pant revealed that both he and Washington Sundar were clear that they have to win the match and said that Sundar’s quick-fire 22 was like gold for us.
While chasing Australia’s score of 328 in the fourth innings Team India was 265/5, when Washington Sundar joined Rishabh Pant in the middle when the match looked to be evenly poised.
Team India needed another 63 runs to win, with just five wickets in hand. The duo then stitched a crucial 53 runs partnership off 55 balls for the 6th wicket to take their team to within touching distance.
Recalling the conversation with Sundar, Pant said they both wanted to take on the bowlers before the off-spinner decided to take most of the risk while the wicketkeeper anchored the chase.
"When I was batting with Washi (Washington Sundar) we both were clear that we have to win the match. I was just playing my own game and kept going, kept getting messages from the dressing room as well. The pressure was there but Washi kept telling me, 'Macha I'll go for the target'. And I said the same to him. Then we decided that one has to anchor the innings while the other one can go for the shots. Rishabh Pant told Sports today.
Rishabh Pant revealed the conversations he had with Washington Sundar on the pitch. He remarked that Sundar's inning was like gold for the Indian team.
"So he told me 'I'll go for the target while you anchor the innings'. Then he got some quick runs which helped a lot at that time. His quick-fire 20-odd was like gold for us. The idea was that me and Washi should finish the match," he said.
Sundar got out for 22 off 29 but Pant made sure to stay at the crease till the end. He hit the winning runs, a boundary off Josh Hazlewood in the 97th over to finish the match.
Despite going through a plethora of injuries, the visitors put on a spirited show in the series decider and ended Australia's 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.
(Sports today Inputs)