'Not feeling sad, just a little perplexed,' Sunil Gavaskar Surprised by Exclusion from Border-Gavaskar Trophy Presentation

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series concluded dramatically at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), with Australia clinching a commanding six-wicket victory to secure a 3-1 series win. However, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, after whom the trophy is partly named, was left puzzled by his exclusion from the post-match trophy presentation.

Why Was Sunil Gavaskar Missing from the Ceremony?

Sunil Gavaskar revealed that he had been informed of the plan before the series began. According to Cricket Australia’s arrangement, Allan Border would present the Border-Gavaskar Trophy if Australia won the series. Conversely, Gavaskar would have had the honor if India retained the trophy or drew the Sydney Test.

Speaking to ABC Sport, Gavaskar expressed his feelings, saying, “I was told this arrangement at the beginning. I’m not sad, just a little perplexed. This is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Both of us should have been there.”

A Historic Victory for Australia

Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since their 2014/15 series victory. The final Test at the SCG ended in just three days, making it the third-shortest Test result in Sydney’s history, with only 1141 balls bowled across the match.

The series began with India’s impressive 295-run win in Perth. However, Australia quickly bounced back, dominating the pink-ball Test in Adelaide and winning by ten wickets to level the series 1-1.

Turning Point in Melbourne and Sydney

In Melbourne, Australia took control with a decisive 184-run victory during the Boxing Day Test, putting them ahead 2-1. The rain-affected Brisbane Test ended in a draw, leaving the Sydney Pink Test as the decider. Australia’s emphatic six-wicket win not only sealed the series but also earned them a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.

The Legacy of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always symbolised the fierce rivalry between India and Australia. Sunil Gavaskar’s absence from the Sydney ceremony raises questions about tradition and representation, leaving fans wondering if future celebrations might better honor the legends behind the iconic trophy.