Despite being one of the namesakes of the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar was excluded from the presentation ceremony after Australia’s 3-1 series win.
Sydney [Australia], January 5: Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment after being excluded from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy presentation ceremony, despite the trophy bearing his name. Australia reclaimed the trophy after a 3-1 series victory against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), marking their first win in the series after a decade-long drought.
Speaking to ABC SPORT, Gavaskar revealed that he had been informed before the final Test that he would not be part of the presentation ceremony unless India won or drew the series.
“I was told just before the Test started that was going to be the situation. If India didn’t win or draw the series, I wouldn’t be required. I’m not feeling sad, but I’m just feeling a little perplexed. It’s the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both of us should have been there,” said Gavaskar.
Sunny, snubbed. 🏏🇮🇳
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) January 5, 2025
Sunil Gavaskar wasn't present at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy presentation. He says he's "perplexed" by his omission from the ceremony.#AUSvIND analysis: https://t.co/FOmODiTxdm
Hear Grandstand at Stumps: https://t.co/kENzXsIHWI#BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/eyXHuE1QOa
The trophy, named after Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border, symbolizes one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries. Despite Australia’s emphatic victory, the absence of one of the trophy’s namesakes at the closing ceremony has left a bittersweet note on an otherwise historic series.
Australia’s Dominance at the SCG:
The final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) began with India opting to bat first. However, the team struggled against Australia’s pace attack, managing just 185 runs. Despite fighting contributions from Rishabh Pant (40), Ravindra Jadeja (26), and stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah (22), India’s batting order faltered under pressure.
Scott Boland emerged as Australia’s hero, claiming 4/31, while Mitchell Starc (3/49) and Pat Cummins (2/37) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
In response, Australia struggled as well, managing only 181 runs in their first innings, giving India a narrow four-run lead. Beau Webster (57) and Steve Smith (33) offered resistance, while Indian pacers Prasidh Krishna (3/42) and Mohammed Siraj (3/51) spearheaded the bowling attack effectively.
India’s second innings was derailed once again by Scott Boland (6/45), despite a quickfire 61 from Rishabh Pant. India managed 157 runs, setting Australia a modest target of 162.
Australia faced early hiccups in their chase but managed to secure a six-wicket victory thanks to solid contributions from Usman Khawaja (41), *Travis Head (34), and *Beau Webster (39).
End of an Era:
While Scott Boland was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding ten-wicket haul, Jasprit Bumrah was recognized as the Player of the Series for his impressive 32 wickets throughout the series.
However, Gavaskar’s absence from the presentation ceremony has sparked conversations about respect for cricketing icons and their legacy. The cricketing world now looks forward to how the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia (CA) address this matter in the future.
