Kohli, Gambhir exchange high-fives, celebrate Akash Deep’s heroics to avoid follow-on | WATCH

The Indian dressing room erupted with joy as Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir exchanged jubilant high-fives after India narrowly avoided the follow-on against Australia on Day 4 of the Gabba Test in Brisbane.

A determined last-wicket stand between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep frustrated the Australian pacers, with the duo putting on an unbeaten 39-run partnership. Their gritty effort took India to 252/9, surpassing the follow-on mark of 246, ensuring they would not bat again.

Kohli and his teammates celebrated each milestone, particularly when Akash’s boundary pushed India past the critical target. TV cameras captured the elation in the Indian camp, with Rohit Sharma and others beaming in delight. As the tail-enders returned to the dressing room, players, including KL Rahul, lined up at the boundary to applaud their heroics.

Earlier, half-centuries from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja laid a solid foundation, supported by Nitish Reddy in the middle order. Despite the Australians’ imposing first-innings score of 445, India’s resilience has kept the match alive. With bad light halting play and rain predicted, a draw now looks likely.

India trail by 193 runs heading into the final day, buoyed by their remarkable fightback. (With inputs from Agencies)