Would have taken scoreline of 1-2 going to Sydney, 40 days ago: Gambhir

India head coach Gautam Gambhir said everything was in control ahead of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. But the most shocking of the fact was that Gambhir revealed that he would have taken the scoreline of 1-2 heading into the Sydney Test if someone told him 40-45 days go. 

Speaking to the press on the eve of the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 2nd (Thursday), Gambhir said, “Everything is under control, had someone told me 40-45 days ago that we would be heading to Sydney with a chance to draw the series, I would have taken it.”

“It’s a good position to be in and I don’t think there is anything that is not under our control, “ added the 43-year-old, who is on the verge of losing two series in the longest format back-to-back. 

Gambhir said that the team has not done badly and that we can’t pick and choose departments to blame. Had both batting and bowling not fired equally, the situation could have been worse. 

If it was not for the rain interruption at Gabba, the series might as well have been done and dusted with. 

While Gambhir was not ready to reveal India’s playing 11 for the match, he did say that Akash Deep was not available due to an injury sustained in the Melbourne Test. 

“Akash Deep is out, because of a back issue and that’s the only injury issue in the side,” he said. 

India must win this match to try and remain in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for third straight time.