“They are under the pump” - Dinesh Karthik opines on India’s celebrations after avoiding follow-on in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test

Dinesh Karthik recently commented on senior players and head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrating India avoiding the follow-on in the Brisbane Test against Australia. The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) eventually ended in a draw and the series is still at 1-1 with two matches to go.

The former Indian keeper opined that the visitors should not be scrutinized for the celebration. He pointed out that India were under tremendous pressure and saving the Brisbane Test was very important for them.

Suggesting that even Australia would have been thrilled to save the follow-on if they were in a similar situation during a tour to India, Karthik told Cricbuzz:

"They are under the pump right now, a lot of the senior players. It is a lot of relief because it keeps them afloat. The series is still alive, they have another opportunity where if they get going, they are going to change how the series is going to pan out."

"Everything is alive and kicking, as of today, because of what that last-wicket partnership did. So, I don't see any harm in feeling happy about it. It's a natural emotion to come out. If Australia had toured India, and the same thing had happened, I think we would have seen a few high-fives and smiling faces," he added.

It is worth mentioning a video of skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior batter Virat Kohli smiling and cheering after India avoided the follow-on in the Brisbane Test went viral. India were saved by a crucial 47-run partnership for the last wicket from Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep.

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"We need to value what he's doing today" - Dinesh Karthik on KL Rahul

KL Rahul was the top performer with the bat for India in Brisbane. He played a gutsy 84-run knock at the top of the order in the team's first innings. Dinesh Karthik emphasized that the opener must be applauded for his inspired performances on the Australia tour.

He added that the fans should remember this contribution for a long time. Hailing Rahul as one of the best Indian batters in overseas conditions, Karthik remarked:

"I believe in him we have the opener that India wants. I hope that they back him. In one year's time, if there's a series where he has a couple of low scores, I hope people don't have a very short memory. We need to value what he's doing today. People tend to forget that a lot of Test cricketers are judged on what they do away, and he's been as good as anyone who's ever played for the country."

Rahul is India's top run-getter so far in this series, chalking up 235 runs across six innings at an average of 47. The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be played in Melbourne from December 26.