Sunil Gavaskar expresses disappointment after being overlooked at trophy presentation

Australia’s win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Sunday at the Sydney Cricket Ground came with a surprising moment involving Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. During the presentation ceremony, Gavaskar was left standing at the boundary rope while Allan Border handed the trophy to the victorious Australian team. The moment shocked Gavaskar, as the trophy is named after him and Border, and he was seemingly unaware of Cricket Australia’s plan.

Cricket Australia had decided beforehand that if Australia won, Border would present the trophy. If India had managed to draw the series, Gavaskar would have handed it to India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah. Gavaskar later expressed his disappointment, saying he would have been happy to present the trophy alongside his friend Allan Border, regardless of who won, as it represents the partnership between Australia and India.

Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 3-1 series victory, their first in 10 years. After losing the first Test in Perth, the Pat Cummins-led side made a strong comeback with wins in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. The Brisbane match was washed out due to rain. The thrilling five-match series drew record crowds, even breaking an 87-year-old attendance record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In the final match, Australia bowled India out for just 157 runs in their second innings, with Scott Boland (6/45) and Pat Cummins (3/44) doing most of the damage. Chasing a target of 162, Australia lost three quick wickets to Prasidh Krishna but recovered thanks to Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and debutant Beau Webster, who secured a six-wicket win.

Bumrah did not play on Day 3 due to back spasms, adding to India’s struggles in the decisive game.