India couldn’t. There were hopes for a possible Gabba 2020/21 repeat but the batting order completely failed. Courtesy of a match-changing 10th-wicket partnership of 61 runs between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, India had a convoluted target of 340 runs. It was too much to chase down in three sessions, given India’s struggling batting group and Australia’s dominance at the “G.” Yashsavi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma weathered the first hour, taking the ship to a rather draw so that India take the 1-1 score to Sydney. But India crumbled and Australia now have a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).
All is not lost for Rohit Sharma’s India
Under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, India clinched a superb and rather dominating win at Perth. But Australia’s dominance in pink ball Tests came through as they mauled India quite easily in Adelaide, with Travis Head performing at his best. At the Gabba, a fascinating partnership between Akash Deep and Bumrah saved the Test for India, with rain also helping the visitors. India aimed to keep the series 1-1 before the finale. But the hosts now are leading 2-1.
But all is not lost for India. While this is a lead that India can’t breach, there is still the possibility for Rohit Sharma to retain the ever-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). For those unaware, the trophy can still remain with India despite losing the Boxing Day Test. The only way this can happen is if India save the series and win the fifth and last Test match, scheduled in Sydney. By winning the SCG Test, the BGT series will end at 2-2. With this, the BGT will remain with India because they won the last BGT. The trophy can only be exchanged if the team wins the series.
India’s dominance at BGT to take a hit?
India haven’t lost a Test series since 2015. It is a decade’s time that the BGT is with India. In the meantime, they have thrashed Australia in a Test series 2-1 in the last four BGTs. These include two in India and the other two Down Under. If Rohit Sharma claims the SCG Test, the BGT will be retained with India. Australia can only win the BGT if the match gets drawn or the host wins.
Last 8 BGT series list
| BGT series | Season | Winner | Margin |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India in Australia) | 2024/25 | – | – |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Australia in India) | 2022/23 | India | 2-1 (4) |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India in Australia) | 2020/21 | India | 2-1 (4) |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India in Australia) | 2018/19 | India | 2-1 (4) |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Australia in India) | 2016/17 | India | 2-1 (4) |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India in Australia) | 2014/15 | Australia | 2-0 (4) |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Australia in India) | 2012/13 | India | 4-0 (4) |
| Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India in Australia) | 2011/12 | Australia | 4-0 (4) |
