Ravichandran Ashwin has revisited one of the defining tactical moments of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, revealing how the final day of the Brisbane Test nearly took a different turn. According to Ashwin, then-head coach Ravi Shastri initially leaned towards playing for a draw, but Rohit Sharma pushed for a bolder approach and backed Rishabh Pant to chase the target against Australia at the Gabba.

India’s famous three-wicket win in Brisbane on January 19, 2021, remains one of the greatest Test victories in the country’s history. Chasing 328 on the final day, India not only pulled off a remarkable run chase but also ended Australia’s unbeaten Test record at the Gabba, sealing a memorable 2-1 series win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Speaking at the ESPNcricinfo Awards, Ravichandran Ashwin opened up about the differing views inside the Indian dressing room as the pressure mounted on the final day. “Ravi Shastri wanted to go for draw in the 2020-21 BGT, but Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win,” Ashwin revealed.

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That belief proved decisive. Pant played one of the most important innings of his career, remaining unbeaten on 89 and guiding India home with a fearless knock that changed the course of the match. He built crucial partnerships with Cheteshwar Pujara and Washington Sundar, helping India complete one of Test cricket’s most famous pursuits.

Pant had entered the Australia tour with extra motivation after missing the first Test in Adelaide. He responded strongly in Melbourne with a quickfire 29 in the second innings, helping India register an emphatic eight-wicket win and level the series. That innings gave him confidence heading into the final two Tests.

“Ravi Shastri wanted to go for draw but Rohit Sharma wanted Rishabh Pant to go for the win”

– Ashwin on the Famous GABBA test win pic.twitter.com/KgorwdQwFT

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) May 31, 2026

In Sydney, Rishabh Pant produced another memorable effort, smashing 97 in the second innings after taking a painful blow to his elbow earlier in the match. His aggressive approach kept India in contention and once again highlighted his value in difficult situations.

The Brisbane chase is widely remembered as one of the greatest in Test history. India achieved the target at a venue where Australia had not lost a Test since 1988, and they did so with several first-choice players missing due to injury. Washington Sundar and T Natarajan made their Test debuts in the series, while Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari had earlier played major roles in saving the Sydney Test.

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During the chase, India lost Rohit Sharma early, Shubman Gill scored a brilliant 91, and Ajinkya Rahane fell shortly after. But Pant held firm and carried the team to victory with a match-winning innings under immense pressure. Rishabh Pant ended the series as India’s highest run-scorer, finishing with 274 runs in three Tests at an average of 68.50. His performances were central to India’s unforgettable Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph.