India’s victory at last year’s Gabba Test was one of India’s finest sporting moments in 2021 and arguably the greatest ever overseas test victory ever by an Indian team in history. 

Despite the absence of several key players and a bowling attack with barely any experience of playing international cricket, the Indian team led by stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane upset the odds to seal a historic series victory and end Australia’s 32-year-old unbeaten run at the Gabba. 

Former head coach Ravi Shastri has narrated an interesting tale from the final day of the game claiming it was the idea of youngsters Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill for India to attempt a victory on the final rather than playing for a draw. 

Talking on Star Sports’ show ‘Bold & Brave The Ravi Shastri Way’, Shastri said, “I thought that was unbelievable, especially on that last day. I always knew at tea time, when we were three down, that it’s pointless telling Rishabh anything.

“I can’t tell you what the conversation was. From upstairs I went to the loo. These 2 young boys were having a chat – Gill and Pant. Gill had batted magnificently to set it up with a brilliant 90.”

“I stopped and listened and walked straight past, and I said ‘keep going’. Did not say a word. I knew in my mind they were going for it. I endorse that kind of cricket. In trying to do that you might lose, but if you pull it off, that’s the ultimate heist. That’s what we did there,” Shastri added. 

On the final day, India successfully chased a target of 329 runs with three wickets in hand. Opening the batting, Shubman Gill gave India an explosive start with a knock of 91 despite Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal. 

With Cheteshwar Pujara playing the role of anchor to perfection, Pant played at his fearless best to score an unbeaten 89 and take India home in the final session of the game.