"Pant scares his own team, imagine the effect on opposition," Siraj recalls Gabba Test win

India had defeated Australia at the Gabba by 3 wickets, and Rishabh Pant scored a match-winning 89*.

Rishabh Pant after hitting the winning runs at the Gabba | GETTY

India's fast bowler Mohammed Siraj spoke on the dressing room environment when Team India were close to defeating Australia at the Gabba in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. It was a historic win for India, and the victory will be remembered forever in Indian cricket history.

Siraj was among the star performers in the series decider, along with Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar. India were playing without their star Test players, like Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin.

Speaking in the documentary 'Down Underdogs', the 27-year-old said the dressing room was nervous when Rishabh was going after the target. They had the option to play for a draw and end the series with 1-1, but Team India decided to chase down the target and they were successful.

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"It's difficult to put into words how nervous the dressing room was. Rishabh is someone who scares his own team. Just imagine the effect he must have on the opposition. We were all hoping and praying for Rishabh to stay in. We just wanted him to keep batting because we knew we would win the game if he did," Siraj said.

Opener Gill had slammed a brilliant 91 while Pant played a sensational knock of unbeaten 89 to take India home at the Gabba, chasing down 328 runs in 97 overs.

Washington Sundar and Pant stitched a partnership of 53 runs in 55 deliveries for the 6th wicket to put Australia under pressure. When Sundar got out for a well-made 22, India needed 10 runs more, and Pant eventually secured the victory with a four-off Josh Hazlewood.

"When Rishabh was going for his shots, we kept thinking hold on. Stay in just a little longer. Everyone was so happy that we broke Australia's record at the Gabba. Just thinking about the celebrations gives me goosebumps even now. I can never forget the victory lap around the ground. Indian flag in hand, thanking all the fans," he added.

India's win at the Gabba made them the first team to beat Australia at that venue in over 32 years. The 3-wicket win also sealed the series 2-1 in India's favor. 

 
 

By - 03 Feb, 2022

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