Sunil Gavaskar shares untold anecdote of India-Australia rivalry with Allan Border

Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s cricket legends, recently shared an amusing and rare anecdote about his long-standing rivalry with Australian cricket great Allan Border. As the namesake of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the series has become one of the most iconic and intense rivalries in world cricket. Speaking to 7Cricket, Gavaskar recounted a memorable moment involving Border, blending humor and nostalgia as he reflected on the competitive spirit that has characterized India-Australia clashes over the years.

An unexpected rivalry: Gavaskar vs. Border on the bowling front

Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border are widely celebrated for their batting prowess and are recognized as two of the finest batsmen of their generation. However, as Gavaskar humorously revealed in a recent interview with 7Cricket, his rivalry with Border also included a memorable moment when Border dismissed him—a rare feat for the Australian, who was far better known for his batting than his bowling.

With a grin, Gavaskar recalled the unexpected incident: "The problem is, Allan Border got me out. Can you imagine that? He actually got me out, and I never got a chance to bowl to him!” Gavaskar admitted that if he had bowled to Border and taken his wicket, perhaps things would feel different today. But the fact that Border managed to get a ball to turn, catching Gavaskar off guard and edging out his wicket, remains a humorous yet slightly stinging memory for the Indian legend.

In his 20 Test matches against India, Border took only four wickets, one of which was Gavaskar’s prized scalp. Reminiscing about the incident, Gavaskar shared how Border playfully teases him about the dismissal whenever they meet. “Every time I bump into him, he says, ‘Hello Bunny, how are you?’” Gavaskar laughed, hinting at the friendly rivalry and camaraderie that exists between the two legends.

Maybe the origins of naming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy started 45 years ago.

Because of Allan Border's three career Test wickets v India, one of those was ... Sunil Gavaskar.

From 1979 to now, Sunny still can't get over it - due to AB reminding him all the time 😂 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/BYcjtYL6oL

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 14, 2024

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Symbolizing a legacy of fierce competition

The India-Australia Test series was officially named the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 1996, honoring the legacy and sportsmanship of Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border. The series has since become a fixture in world cricket, renowned for thrilling matches, legendary battles, and moments that have shaped the careers of numerous players. From Sachin Tendulkar’s face-off with Shane Warne to Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman’s iconic partnership at the 2001 Kolkata Test, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has delivered unforgettable memories.

In recent years, India has emerged victorious in their past two series in Australia and now aims to secure a third consecutive series win Down Under. Gavaskar’s reflections on his rivalry with Border come at a time when the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has gained even greater significance, symbolizing not only individual competition but also the larger narrative of India and Australia’s cricketing battles.

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The two cricketers share more than just a trophy named in their honor. Both Gavaskar and Border were the first two players in the world to reach the landmark of 10,000 Test runs. Gavaskar achieved this in 1987, followed by Border in 1993, cementing their places in cricket history. With their legacies intertwined through the trophy, Gavaskar’s story reveals how the competitive spirit between India and Australia has transcended generations, while still retaining the humorous and personal touch that only legends of the game can appreciate.

As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming India-Australia series, Gavaskar’s tale serves as a reminder of the rich history and camaraderie that underpins one of the most celebrated rivalries in world cricket. The series, starting November 22, promises to add yet another chapter to this storied rivalry, with new heroes waiting to make their mark.