Rohit Sharma recently looked back at one of the most unforgettable moments in Indian cricket history, the famous Test match win at the Gabba in Australia. That victory sealed India’s triumph in the 2020–21 Border Gavaskar Trophy and saw them become the first visiting team to win at the venue in 32 years. In the process, India ended Australia’s incredible 31-match unbeaten run at the iconic stadium.
Recalling a Career-Defining Win
While answering a question about his favourite matches, Rohit picked the historic Gabba Test, which was played under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy. Rohit, who was the vice-captain for that match, spoke warmly about Rishabh Pant’s match-winning innings during the challenging run chase.
Rohit Sharma also revealed that the Indian team felt motivated by comments made by Australian captain Tim Paine, though he humorously admitted he could not remember the exact words.
“And then in 2021, we won a Test match at the Gabba. Our Rishabh Pant bhai played an amazing knock from a situation where nobody could believe that we could win. In that game, all our first-choice players were injured or missed out for whatever reason. Australian captain Tim Paine said something, but I don’t remember what he said. But we felt, Why did he say that?. When the match started, we had three debutants. Australia is the Gabba Fortress; they have never been beaten there. India is the first team,” said Rohit Sharma during the convocation ceremony of the Masters Union.
Rohit Sharma said : "Playing in Australia is the most difficult you can ask England about it." 😭😂🔥
bRO just owned England and @TheBarmyArmy 🤣😆🙏 pic.twitter.com/qvXQWMQNe3
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 21, 2025
Rishabh Pant and a Fearless Chase
Pant’s fearless batting stood out in a match where India were written off by many. With several senior players injured or unavailable, a young and relatively inexperienced side stepped up and pulled off what is now considered one of the greatest Test wins of all time.
Rohit Sharma Trolls England
Rohit did not stop there. He also took a light-hearted jab at England while talking about how demanding Test cricket in Australia can be. The Indian skipper highlighted the mental toughness needed to survive and succeed in five-day cricket, especially in Australian conditions.
“From a nowhere situation, we went on to win the game. Test cricket is not easy. It goes on for five days. For five days, you have to be mentally in the game. Playing in Australia is the most difficult, you can ask England (laughs). For all of us to win that game and series, was a big achievement. That series was a big learning,” Rohit added.
England’s recent struggles in Australia put Rohit’s comment into context. They endured a tough Ashes tour, losing the series with two matches still to play, as they found themselves 3–0 down after just 11 days.
What Did Tim Paine Say?
For those who may not remember, Tim Paine’s comment came during the closing moments of the Sydney Test. As India bravely held on for a draw with Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari battling injuries, Tim Paine was caught on the stump mic making a remark that quickly went viral.
The Australian captain confidently referenced his team’s dominance at Brisbane with a “See you at the Gabba sledge.” What followed, however, was a historic Indian win that turned those words into fuel for one of the greatest comebacks in Test cricket history.
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