Shubman Gill and his team arrived in England with modest expectations. After five intense Tests, they not only surpassed those expectations but also provided
a promising blueprint for the future.
Both captains, Gill and Ben Stokes, agreed that a 2-2 result was fair after the 45-day contest. The matches India lost, particularly at Leeds and Lords, could have had different outcomes, offering valuable lessons for the players.
The series was marked by fierce competition and memorable moments. Despite setbacks at Lords, Old Trafford, and The Oval, Gill's team showed resilience. They made remarkable comebacks on two occasions, embodying the team's spirit. The series will be remembered for its competitiveness and the players' growth during these matches.
Gill's Leadership and Performance
Shubman Gill's debut as Test captain was a dream come true for young leaders. Previously struggling in English conditions, he faced doubts about his batting and leadership abilities. However, Gill earned respect with a stellar 147 in his first innings of the tour. He made technical and mental adjustments, leading to a double century and a century in Edgbaston's victory.
Gill's issues with incoming balls were addressed, culminating in a crucial 103 in Manchester after low scores at Lords. He amassed an impressive 754 runs in 10 innings. While he matured as a batter, he acknowledges that his captaincy is still developing. His strategic decisions on Monday were praised, such as keeping fielders deep when England was close to victory.
Siraj's Consistent Performance
Mohammed Siraj emerged as a key player, being the only fast bowler to play all five Tests. He fittingly took the final wicket of the series at The Oval and became the leading wicket-taker with 23 scalps. With Jasprit Bumrah absent for two Tests due to workload management, Siraj stepped up when extra overs were needed.
Bumrah's fitness remains uncertain, but Siraj is expected to guide new pacers. Bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasised the need for five to six fast bowlers ready for challenging assignments in England and Australia.
Jadeja's Understated Brilliance
Ravindra Jadeja's contributions often went unnoticed when stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were present. With their retirement, Jadeja filled the experience gap in batting. Scoring 516 runs in the middle order with five fifties and a crucial hundred at Old Trafford, he had a memorable series.
Jadeja stood firm during collapses, averaging highest among Indian batters with four not outs in the series.
On-field Tensions
The series saw rising tensions as stakes increased. Initially incident-free, the first two Tests gave way to on-field confrontations later on. A notable moment was Jasprit Bumrah's final over at Lords on day three. Shubman Gill's comment to Zak Crawley and sarcastic clapping by the team highlighted the rivalry's intensity.
Tensions continued at Old Trafford when Stokes expressed frustration over India's decision to bat despite a draw being inevitable.
Pant and Woakes' Heroic Acts
The series was elevated by heroic acts from Rishabh Pant and Chris Woakes. Pant batted with a fractured foot to add crucial runs in Manchester's first innings. Woakes, ruled out due to a shoulder injury, batted on day five of the final Test with his left hand in a sling. Despite being unable to bat properly, Woakes fought for his team, encapsulating the series' competitive spirit.
Rahul's Steady Presence
KL Rahul stood out as the most reliable batter on either side. His technique frustrated bowlers as he played late and close to his body in English conditions. Alongside Gill and Jadeja, Rahul scored over 500 runs in the series with two centuries.
Washington Sundar impressed lower down the order with his off-spin contributions in Manchester. His partnership with Jadeja saved the game at Old Trafford and secured his place in future matches.
The series showcased India's resilience and growth under Gill's leadership while highlighting individual brilliance from players like Siraj, Jadeja, Pant, Woakes, Rahul, and Sundar.
With inputs from PTI
