3 lessons India can take from famous Sydney draw in 2020-21 ahead of BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Team India will face Australia in the final Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) starting on Friday, January 3, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. After a dominant win in the opening game, the visitors have struggled to maintain their form and now find themselves 2-1 down, with just one match remaining.

India must win this final game to keep their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final alive. As they prepare for the match, there’s no better time for players to reflect on their memorable fight in the Sydney Test of the 2020-21 tour, where they battled until the very end to secure a famous draw.

Australia posted 338 in their first innings in that match, while India responded with 244. The hosts declared their second innings at 312, setting a daunting target of 407 runs. Despite the challenge, India displayed remarkable resilience, initially pushing for the target.

However, after losing a few key wickets and facing numerous injuries, including players being bruised by the ball, the team finished with 334-5, earning a remarkable draw. India then went on to win the final game at The Gabba, clinching the series 2-1.

As the 2024-25 BGT finale approaches, let’s look at three key lessons the Indian team can draw from their iconic Sydney draw in 2020-21.

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#1 Collective responsibility of the batters

During the 2020-21 Sydney Test, Team India was without their then-skipper Virat Kohli, who missed the final three Tests to be with his wife for the birth of their daughter. Although the Indian batters were dismissed for 244 in their first innings, they showed great resilience in the fourth innings while chasing a target of 407.

Each batter took responsibility, with experienced campaigner Rohit Sharma leading the way with 52, and young Shubman Gill adding 31 runs.

Cheteshwar Pujara (77) and Rishabh Pant (97) then shifted the momentum in India’s favor. However, after both were dismissed, India found themselves in a precarious position. Hanuma Vihari, dealing with a hamstring injury, partnered with Ravichandran Ashwin.

Ravindra Jadeja, who had dislocated his thumb, was next in line. Despite their physical limitations, Vihari and Ashwin combined to bat for over 40 overs, securing a memorable draw for India.

As India prepares for the final Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team can draw inspiration from the Sydney Test and should prioritize supporting one another while building long partnerships — something that has been lacking in the ongoing series.

Apart from Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, none of the Indian batters have stepped up, with stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggling significantly.

The Sydney Test highlighted the importance of a collective effort. Despite individual challenges, the Indian players recognized that success depended on their combined efforts.

Whether it was Pujara’s determination, Pant’s aggressive counterattack, or the support from the lower order, every contribution was crucial. Heading into the final Test of the 2024-25 series, India must focus on teamwork, with a strong emphasis on partnerships, communication, and mutual support.

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#2 Never-say-die attitude

During the fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne, India appeared to be on course for a draw with seven wickets still in hand and only one session left. However, Rishabh Pant's impulsive shot, failing to read the situation properly, cost India dearly.

His reckless dismissal triggered a collapse, with India losing their final seven wickets for just 34 runs, despite the pitch offering little help to the bowlers. The Indian players lacked the fight needed to hold on, and they were defeated with 12 overs still to be played.

In contrast, the 2020-21 Sydney Test was a true showcase of mental resilience. India faced immense pressure on the final day, with injuries to key players making the chase seem almost impossible. Yet, the team displayed extraordinary determination, particularly through Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant.

Later, Hanuma Vihari, playing with a torn hamstring, managed to stand firm alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, who took several painful blows while batting for 128 balls. Vihari stayed unbeaten on 23 from 161 balls, while Ashwin similarly scored 39, both defying the odds and showing immense grit.

They faced relentless, accurate bowling, with multiple fielders around the bat, but neither gave in. Their stubborn resistance exemplified the mental strength India will need in the upcoming final Test of the 2024-25 series. The current team must channel this same resilience and strategic thinking if they hope to turn things around and make a strong finish in the series.

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#3 Composure during key moments and being there for each other

One of the most important lessons from the Sydney Test was how India maintained their composure during critical moments. With Australia closing in on victory on the final day, India needed to not only defend but also cope with the pressure of a possible defeat.

Despite being physically compromised, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin stayed incredibly calm, batting for 42.4 overs and resisting Australia’s fiery bowlers.

As India heads into the fifth Test of the 2024-25 series, composure will again be crucial. Players must stay focused, whether batting or bowling, and make clear decisions under pressure, learning from the Sydney Test when to defend, attack, or break a partnership.

Also, amid rumors of tension in the dressing room following India’s loss in the fourth Test of the 2024-25 BGT, the Sydney Test of 2020-21 could serve as a reminder of the importance of mutual support.

During that match, Vihari and Ashwin weren’t just batting partners—they were a source of strength for each other. As India heads into the fifth Test, it will be crucial for the team to support one another, both on and off the field, especially during high-pressure situations.