Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed his disappointment on Sunday for not being invited to give the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia after their victory over India in a thrilling five-match series. Australia regained the prestigious trophy after a decade as they won the fifth and final Test by six wickets. While Allan Border gave the trophy to the Australian team, Gavaskar, who was at the venue, was conspicuous by his absence during the presentation ceremony.
“I would have certainly loved to have been there for the presentation. After all, it is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, celebrating the cricketing rivalry between Australia and India,” Gavaskar told Code Sports.
He, however, said even though Australia did a better job, his presence at the presentation should not have been left out. “I mean, I am here on the ground. It should not matter that Australia won when it comes to the presentation. They played better cricket, so they won. That’s fine,” he said.
Gavaskar highlighted that the trophy, which India and Australia have been competing for since the 1996-1997 season, forms an important milestone in Test cricket. Over time, the rivalry has grown into one of the most discussed in the game.
The just-concluded series attracted record crowds at various venues, breaking an 87-year-old attendance record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last week, further highlighting the fierce competition between the two cricketing giants.
