‘From upstairs I went to the loo’ – Ravi Shastri reminisces Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant’s conversation during Gabba Test

Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri went down the memory lane to recall India’s historic Test against Australia at The Gabba. The veteran recalled a hilarious incident from the game in Brisbane when he heard Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant having a conversation while he was going to the loo.

Shastri praised Gill for laying the platform for India’s run-chase on the fifth day of the encounter. Gill flattered to deceive in the first innings, but scored 91 runs in the second. Pant, on the other hand, became the Player of the Match following his unbeaten 89-run knock during India’s run-chase.

I knew in my mind they were going for it, says Ravi Shastri

“I thought that was unbelievable, especially on that last day. I always knew at tea time, when we were three down, that it’s pointless telling Rishabh anything. I can’t tell you what the conversation was. From upstairs I went to the loo.

“These 2 young boys were having a chat – Gill and Pant. Gill had batted magnificently to set it up with a brilliant 90,” Shastri was quoted as saying on the ‘Bold & Brave The Ravi Shastri Way’ show on Star Sports.

“I stopped and listened and walked straight past, and I said ‘keep going’. Did not say a word. I knew in my mind they were going for it. I endorse that kind of cricket. In trying to do that you might lose, but if you pull it off, that’s the ultimate heist. That’s what we did there,” he added.

India found themselves in a bit of trouble after conceding a first innings lead of 33 runs to the Aussies. Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur scored 62 and 67 to bring down the deficit quite a bit. Thereafter, they bowled Australia out for 294 in the second innings.

In the run-chase, India lost Rohit Sharma early as Pat Cummins gave the Aussies their maiden breakthrough. Thereafter, Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara’s 114-run stand steadied the ship for the visitors.

From there on, Pant showed nerves of steel and made sure India get past the line without much fuss. Sundar lent him support with a timely 22-run knock under pressure.