The visitors who entered the SCG Test following a defeat in Melbourne were trailing 2-1 in the series. Notably, Rohit Sharma dropped himself from the playing XI with Jasprit Bumrah taking up the captaincy duties.

Rishabh Pant's gritty 40 at SCG earned praise from Irfan Pathan, who lauded his resilience and courage despite body blows from Mitchell Starc. Pant's determination silenced critics, showcasing his fighting spirit in India's crucial Border-Gavaskar decider.

India batter Rishabh Pant battled it out like a gladiator at the SCG on Friday. In testing conditions, Pant took blows to the hand and head and then replied with a stunning six on Day 1 of the final Test.