Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT 2024/25: Only These 3 Indian Batters Scored a Century at Gabba So Far! Can India Break the Drought This Time?

The Gabba holds a mirror to a batter’s technique and mental strength, breaking the century drought here is not just about personal glory; it could be the catalyst India needs to level the series

Australia won convincingly by 10 wickets in Adelaide, squaring the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at 1-1. Chasing only 19 runs in the fourth innings, the hosts sealed the match on Day 3 with all wickets intact. Australia's domination against India was underlined by key performances from Mitchell Starc and Travis Head (140). Now, all eyes are on the third Test at Gabba. While the Gabba is famed for its challenging conditions, just three Indian batters have scored a centurythere. 

Sunil Gavaskar: The lone warrior in 1977

In December 1977, Sunil Gavaskar displayed his perfect defensive technique against one of his day's most formidable bowling attacks. On a lively Gabba pitch, chasing a big mark of 341 in the fourth innings, Gavaskar held his own with a gutsy 113 off 264 balls.

His innings was a test of patience and technique. Under gloomy conditions, Gavaskar batted against Wayne Clark and Jeff Thomson, scoring 12 boundaries, each resulting from immaculate timing rather than power. He batted for 320 minutes, battling Australia's aggressive bowling on a pitch with varying bounce.

Although India fell short by 16 runs, Gavaskar's performance was a masterpiece in Test cricket survival. It was a lesson in character and attitude, which has been a defining feature of Gavaskar's legendary career.

Sourav Ganguly: The Dada show at the Gabba in 2003

Sourav Ganguly, India's captain in 2003, approached the Gabba with much to prove. Australia's bowling, led by Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, and Stuart MacGill, was in top form. Nonetheless, Ganguly delivered one of his best innings to date, a flamboyant 144 that silenced detractors and set the tone for one of India's most memorable trips to Australia.

Walking in with India on 62/3, Ganguly withstood the storm early on, leaving deliveries and defending firmly. Once comfortable, he unleashed a repertory of strokes that showcased his skill. His 196-ball knock contained 18 boundaries and several superb smashes into the off-side. Ganguly's ability to counterattack put Australia's bowlers at bay and his 146-run stand with VVS Laxman enabled India to score a competitive 409 in response to Australia's 323.

Though the match ended in a tie owing to rain, Ganguly's century instilled confidence in the team. It was the start of a historic series in which India battled aggressively, threatening Australia's dominance on home ground.

Murali Vijay: Elegance personified in 2014

Murali Vijay's 144 in December 2014 was a tribute to his ability to combine discipline and aggressiveness. Vijay's innings on a Gabba track with both bounce and speed was notable for its simple grace.

India was under pressure after losing an early wicket, but Vijay remained cool. He left deliveries with accuracy, punished errant balls, and rotated his stroke well. His 213-ball innings, which included 22 boundaries, was highlighted by cover drives and flicks that were both visually appealing and successful.

Vijay's performance propelled India to 408, giving them a fighting chance against Australia's massive first-innings score of 505. Despite his brilliance, India struggled in the second innings, losing by four wickets. Nonetheless, Vijay's century remains one of the best performances by an Indian opener on Australian soil.

Can India break the drought this time?

The Gabba is one of cricket's most challenging grounds, renowned for its speed, bounce, and Australian domination.India's record at the Gabba is mixed. While there have been flashes of brilliance, triumphs have remained elusive. The 2021 victory at the Gabba, scripted by players like Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar, stands out, although no Indian batters reached triple digits.

India has yet to score a century here since Vijay in 2014. In the current Border-Gavaskar cycle, Virat Kohli is the only Indian to have hit a century in Australia. The squad believes that players such as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant will rise up and face the difficulties of the Gabba.