Gavaskar’s ‘Lucky Jacket’ Sees India Through to Series Draw
Legendary attire a touchstone in thrilling Oval Test
Cricket icon **Sunil Gavaskar** brought a touch of personal superstition to the gripping final Test between India and England at The Oval. As India secured a dramatic series-levelling victory, the legendary commentator’s “lucky jacket” became an unexpected star, sparking viral moments and delighting fans.
A Familiar Charm
Following **Mohammed Siraj**’s decisive dismissal of **Gus Atkinson**, clinching the match and the series at 2-2, cameras captured **Gavaskar** proudly gesturing to his white jacket. This same jacket was worn during India’s historic Gabba triumph in 2021, adding a nostalgic layer to the current success.
“Lucky jacket!”
—Sunil Gavaskar
The moment of **Gavaskar**’s jubilant acknowledgment of his sartorial good luck charm quickly circulated across social media, amplifying the excitement surrounding India’s hard-fought draw.
A Pre-Match Promise
Earlier in the series, **Gavaskar** had alluded to the jacket’s significance. Speaking with young batter **Shubman Gill** after Day 3, he revealed his intention to wear the “lucky jacket” for the series decider, a garment reserved for Australia’s crucial Gabba Test.
Despite a rain delay pushing the final day into Monday, **Gavaskar** was indeed clad in his signature white. With **Siraj** delivering a stellar five-wicket haul, the jacket’s perceived magic appeared to hold true once more.
The match itself was a captivating contest, with India successfully defending a target of 374 runs. **Siraj**, in particular, was instrumental with figures of 5/104, concluding the series as the leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps, more than any other bowler on either side.
India’s remarkable comeback from a 1-2 deficit not only capped off a memorable series but also etched another chapter in the storied legacy of **Gavaskar**’s cherished “lucky jacket.” The resilience shown by the Indian team mirrors that of other comeback victories in sporting history, such as the Boston Red Sox’s historic 2004 ALCS comeback from a 0-3 deficit (MLB).