Credit: News18
Will history repeat itself, or will India rewrite it with a monumental innings?
With the series levelled at 1-1, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is ready for its next chapter at the Gabba. India’s dominant 295-run victory in Perth included Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli at their peak. But Australia responded in Adelaide, with their speed three destroying India in a 10-wicket defeat, led by Travis Head’s blazing century.
Now, the action shifts to Brisbane, a site where Australia has always proven practically unbeatable. However, India’s previous performances at the Gabba reflect a story of perseverance, with some standout innings pushing the hosts to the brink. Let’s get into India’s top five innings at this historic venue.
Sourav Ganguly’s 144 is remembered as one of the best innings ever played by an Indian skipper in Australia. Walking in at 62/3, Ganguly overcame Brett Lee’s blistering speed and Stuart MacGill’s wily spin to keep the ship afloat. His knock, which included 18 boundaries, set the tone for India’s first-innings score of 409. VVS Laxman scored a brilliant 75, while Ajit Agarkar delivered a valuable 25.
Though the match finished in a draw, India’s performance revealed their willingness to challenge Australia’s supremacy, putting the hosts under strain for much of the game.
Murali Vijay’s magnificent 144 was the foundation of India’s first innings in the second Test of the 2014 series. Vijay’s innings featured 22 boundaries and a six, demonstrating his ability to counter both pace and movement. Ajinkya Rahane scored an impressive 81, leading India to a challenging 408.
However, Australia reacted forcefully with Steve Smith’s commanding 133 and Mitchell Johnson’s explosive all-round performance (88 runs and 4/61). India’s second-innings collapse cost them 224 runs, gifting the hosts a hard-fought four-wicket win.
If I could see just one Indian batsman who was before my time then from what I've read I think I'd go for this bloke, Motganhalli Jaisimha, who by all accounts had style in spades pic.twitter.com/8gz3OzXhgY
— Martin Chandler (@fredfertang) August 23, 2020
Motganhalli Jaisimha led the assault with a determined century (101) during one of India’s earliest visits to Australia. Jaisimha fought valiantly against Alan Connolly and John Gleeson, keeping the Indian innings alive. Rusi Surti (64) and Ajit Wadekar (44) helped India reach 355 in answer to Australia’s 379.
Despite a valiant attempt, India fell 39 runs short of the challenging mark of 395. However, Jaisimha’s innings stood out as an example of skill and temperament against top rivals.
Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur ~ are making Australian Gabba theirs🔥🇮🇳
— DK (@divakarantm) January 17, 2021
100 patnership*
Both scores maiden fifty (both together 4* before this innings) against as 1019 wickets line up ( lyon starc cummins hazlewood )#AUSvsIND#Sundar #Shardulthakur #GabbaTest pic.twitter.com/GRyZNlPuys
The 2021 Gabba Test will be highlighted for Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur’s historic 123-run partnership for the seventh wicket, along with Rishabh Pant’s second innings brilliance. Sundar’s calm 62 and Thakur’s aggressive 67 enabled India to return from 186/6 to 336. in the first innings. Their daring stroke play against Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood flipped the contest on its head.
This odd rescue attempt paved the way for India’s incredible three-wicket triumph, which ended Australia’s 32-year unbroken record at the Gabba. It was the epitome of India’s never-say-die spirit.
When Rishabh Pant stepped in during the last innings of the 2021 Gabba Test, India were chasing a daunting 328. What followed was an innings to remember. Shubman Gill’s brilliant 91 and Cheteshwar Pujara’s stoic 56 provided the groundwork, but Pant’s courageous unbeaten 89 stole the show. He completed a historic triumph with a boundary with only three overs remaining, leaving the cricketing world in amazement.
India’s 329/7 not only won the series 2-1 but also showed their capacity to flourish under duress, rewriting the history books in the process.
Enjoy !!!
— Akshay Tadvi 🇮🇳 (@AkshayTadvi28) December 12, 2024
- Team India's training session at the Gabba ahead of the India vs Australia 3rd Test. pic.twitter.com/7FuNfRLViS
As India prepares for the third Test at the Gabba in the 2024-25 series, these performances provide motivation and hope. Each innings is a tenacity and defiance narrative, demonstrating that India can hold its own in Australia’s citadel.
Can India beat their record of 409 in the Gabba? Will they once again rise to the challenge and overcome the odds? One thing is certain—the Gabba awaits the next chapter in this legendary battle.
