Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has taken a pointed jab at the Australian media following India’s resounding 295-run victory over Australia in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Optus Stadium in Perth. Speaking to India Today after the win, Gavaskar recalled the criticism Indian cricket and its players have faced from the Australian media over the years, describing the victory as a statement of intent from the Indian team.
India, under pressure following an unexpected 0-3 whitewash at home by New Zealand, were initially on the back foot after being dismissed for just 150 runs in the first two sessions. However, a fiery bowling performance spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah turned the tide, and the visitors secured their second-largest win in Australia, following up on their historic 2008 triumph in Perth under Anil Kumble.
Gavaskar, known for his sharp commentary, reminded the Australian media of the two times India had triumphed in Perth—once in 2008 after the Harbhajan Singh-Andrew Symonds controversy and now, following earlier questioning of Indian players’ performances, such as the controversial ruling on Suryakumar Yadav’s boundary-line catch during the T20 World Cup final in June. He noted how the Australian press had cast doubt on Yadav’s catch, adding fuel to the fire by questioning whether his feet had touched the ground.
The batting legend asserted that the win in Perth was a “mouth-shutting” response to Australian critics, adding, “Each time the Australian media goes against India, we respond. This win shows we can thrash Australia in this series.”
India’s victory in Perth comes despite predictions that they would struggle. Their recent loss to New Zealand, which marked the first time in 12 years that India had lost a home series, had left many skeptical. With key players like Rohit Sharma absent and doubts surrounding Virat Kohli’s form, India silenced their detractors with a dominant performance.
India now leads the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-0, with the second Test, a pink-ball game, set to begin in Adelaide on December 6.