Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT 2024/25: Current Indian Stars Who Lit Up the SCG with Stellar Batting Performances

How India’s current stars have etched their names in Sydney’s history books

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy decider will occur at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, with Australia leading the series 2-1 following a thumping Boxing Day Test victory. India’s aspirations in Melbourne were destroyed despite gutsy efforts from Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Washington Sundar, as they experienced a stunning collapse, losing seven wickets for 34 runs in the last session.

Australia’s drive was spearheaded by Steve Smith’s stunning 140, which was followed by fifties from Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne. Pat Cummins was the star bowler, taking six wickets and making key contributions with the bat.

Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has a unique place in Indian cricket legend. From dramatic draws to stubborn centuries, Indian batters have left their unmistakable stamp at this ancient stadium. As India prepares for their next match here, it’s worth recalling five outstanding batting performances by current team players. These knocks were more than simply class comments; they were watershed moments in their careers.

Rishabh Pant’s fearless 159 (2019): The boy became a man at the SCG

Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 159 from 189 balls in the 2019 Sydney Test showcased bold stroke play. With an 84.12 strike rate, he smashed 15 boundaries and one massive six, showcasing his ability to overpower world-class bowlers. Pant joined Ravindra Jadeja (81 off 114 balls) in an unbroken 204-run stand, finishing on 329/5. India declared at 622/7, putting Australia under tremendous strain. With this effort, Pant became the first Indian wicketkeeper to record a Test century in Australia.

Virat Kohli’s elegant 147 (2015): Sydney became Kohli’s canvas

In the 2015 Test, Kohli, batting at number four, delivered a standout innings. His 147 off 230 deliveries included 20 boundaries, each displaying precision and composure. Kohli’s innings was a crucial reaction to Australia’s intimidating 572/7d. He came in at 97/2 and steadied India’s innings, leading them to a respectable 475. Kohli’s fourth century of the series cemented his supremacy.

KL Rahul’s breakthrough 110 (2015): A coming-of-age knock

In the same Test, KL Rahul hushed detractors with a patient 110 from 262 balls. In only his second Test, Rahul faced a powerful Australian assault led by Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon. Rahul’s innings had a strike rate of 41.98 and contained 13 fours and a six, demonstrating his skill and temperament. Rahul’s 141-run stand with Kohli helped India recover from early defeats and marked his international debut.

Pant’s Electrifying 97 (2021): So near, yet so impactful

In the third Test of the 2021 BGT, India faced a challenging 407-run target in the fourth innings. Pant stepped in at 102/3, with India on the verge of loss. His scorching 97 off 118 balls, featuring 12 fours and three sixes, flipped the game on its head. Pant attacked the Australian bowlers, notably Nathan Lyon while batting at an 82.20 strike rate. Despite falling short of a century, his knock created the groundwork for India’s epic draw.

Ravindra Jadeja’s fighting 81 (2019): An all-rounder’s class act

Jadeja’s 81 off 114 balls in the 2019 Sydney Test was a lesson in controlled aggressiveness. He batted with a strike rate of 71.05, hitting seven fours and one six to easily match Australia’s bowlers. His unbroken 204-run partnership with Pant propelled India to an impressive 622/7d. Jadeja’s performance showed his flexibility, as he subsequently contributed with the ball by taking two wickets in Australia’s first innings.