Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 at the Gabba in 2021 led India to a historic Test series win over Australia, ending their 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue. Relive the context, drama, and brilliance of this iconic knock.
Key Takeaways:
Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89* at Gabba sealed India’s historic Test series win in 2021.
India were missing key players including Kohli, Bumrah, Shami, Jadeja, and Ashwin.
Debutants and inexperienced players like Siraj, Natarajan, Sundar, and Thakur stepped up.
Gill and Pujara laid the platform; Pant finished the chase in style.
India ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba.
What is considered Rishabh Pant’s greatest Test innings and why?
Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 at the Gabba in the fourth Test of the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is widely regarded as his greatest Test innings. Chasing 328 on Day 5 against Australia at their fortress, with India missing multiple first-choice players, Pant’s fearless knock secured a 2–1 series win, ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten run at the venue and marking one of India’s greatest Test victories.
Rishabh Pant’s 89* at the Gabba was a fearless masterclass that sealed India’s greatest overseas Test win. With a depleted squad and history against them, India conquered Australia’s fortress in unforgettable fashion.
India Entered the 4th Test Severely Depleted
The context of this match is critical. India were without most of their core players—Virat Kohli (on paternity leave), Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, and Ravichandran Ashwin were all unavailable. The bowling attack featured just four Tests of experience combined, with Mohammad Siraj, T Natarajan, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur.
Thakur and Sundar Revive India in the First Innings
At 186/6 in the first innings, India were in deep trouble. But Shardul Thakur (67) and Washington Sundar (62) stitched together a gritty 123-run stand, guiding India to 336. That left them trailing by only 33 runs and back in the contest.
Siraj and Thakur Shine With the Ball
In the second innings, Mohammad Siraj claimed his maiden five-wicket haul while Shardul Thakur added four. Their combined effort bowled Australia out and set India a daunting 328-run target on the final day at the Gabba.
The Final Day – Pant Delivers a Masterpiece
India’s chase began with Shubman Gill attacking early, scoring a fluent 91 off 146. Cheteshwar Pujara absorbed immense pressure, taking blows but surviving for 211 balls. Then came Rishabh Pant, walking in with the match on a knife’s edge.
He played his natural game—counterattacking, fearless, and full of intent. He targeted Lyon, Cummins, and Starc with confidence. Finishing unbeaten on 89 off 138 deliveries with 9 fours and 1 six, Pant took India home in the final session, breaking Australia’s 32-year unbeaten record at the Gabba.
This innings wasn't just about runs; it was about belief, resilience, and rewriting history.
Watch the full innings of Rishabh Pant 89* at Gabba
