Published 21:50 IST, January 18th 2021
Sunil Gavaskar says one should be proud of Team India irrespective of end result at Gabba
Sunil Gavaskar saluted Team India's fighting spirit throughout the Test series and said that the final outcome of the series-deciding 4th Test does not matter
Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on the Indian team for showcasing an extraordinary performance in the series-deciding fourth Test match at the Gabba, Brisbane.
The 1983 World Cup winner has said that Indians are truly proud of the team for showing great character irrespective of the result of the fourth Test at The Gabba.
Chasing a stiff target of 328 runs, India finished Day 4 at 4/0 and they will have their task cut out on the final day (Tuesday) to survive the remaining three sessions against a formidable Australian bowling line-up.
'It doesn't matter'
"It doesn't matter what happens here at the Gabba. We Indians can and will be truly proud of our cricketers. I have led Indian teams on tours of Australia and know first-hand just how challenging it can be. But what we have witnessed in the series is something extraordinary," Gavaskar said while commentating on Channel Seven.
"Resolve, fortitude and fighting spirit displayed by the team has been inspiring. Most have been away from home and in quarantine for over five months. They have been routed in the most crushing way with the world watching. They have seen friends battered and broken. They have been tested to the cricketing and mental limits every turn, every minute. Even under the most intense strain, they have never stopped fighting. And they may still somehow manage to take the trophy home," he added.
What's at stake for both sides?
A win will see the injury-ravaged Team India register back-to-back series wins on Australian soil and a draw will see them retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against all odds. But the pitch isn't getting any better at The Gabba and with the odd-ball misbehaving after hitting the cracks, the Indian batsmen need to ensure that they keep the scoreboard moving at every given opportunity.
If the Tim Paine-led side succeeds in coming out on top at the Gabba, then the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will change hands for the first time after the 2016/17 season.
(With ANI Inputs)
Updated 21:50 IST, January 18th 2021