Can Gill and Rahul script a Manchester Miracle?

Gill_Rahul
Can the duo script a heist? (PC: Debasis_Sen)

Boria Majumdar

Test cricket is defined by fight. The was exemplified by India at Old Trafford in the last two sessions of Day 4. A kind of dogged determination that lights up a series and lives in fans’ memories for years on end. And that’s what the Indian team was lacking for the previous two days in Manchester. The bowling was rank poor and it clearly hurt India. And with the top order looking limp, the misery was further piled on after England scored a mammoth 669. It was all left to Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. India desperately needed fight, and that’s what we finally got to watch at Old Trafford.

At 0-2, most India fans had given up hope. With nearly five hours of play still left, the fear was real. Another top-order collapse, and all of a sudden, England would start to smell that series victory. 

That was when Rahul and Gill came together. No panic and, in fact, enjoying the challenge. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse tried to intimidate, but neither batter flinched an inch. When Chris Woakes erred, Gill played a beautiful straight drive for four. It was a shot of intent, and one that had written all over it that India’s captain wasn’t going to be overawed. At the other end, Rahul was calm and composed, almost like a monk going about his job. He has been India’s batter of the series, and much will yet again depend on him on Day 5. 

And as India started to dig in, England started to look ragged. Liam Dawson bowled a long spell, and one could sense something had to give. Each run was cheered by the Indian change-room and as the final session was about to end, the entire group was starting to get excited. 

As the last ball of the day was negotiated, both batters looked pleased. Even Gautam Gambhir seemed all pumped up. Rahul, may I say, was the true leader. From speaking to his captain to keeping a calm demeanour, he knew what India needed. At every stage, he urged Gill to stay calm and carry on. 

While the match isn’t over yet, the truth is that India will fancy a draw from here on. Much like the Ashwin-Vihari heist in Sydney in 2021, and the Bumrah-Akash Deep partnership at the Gabba in 2024, this partnership has given India hope. In 2021, India came back after Sydney to win in Brisbane and seal the series. Time will tell what happens this time round at The Oval. 

One thing, however, is certain. If the match does end in a draw, India will take a lot away from the game. They will think it a moral victory, while for England, it will be a major opportunity lost. Having picked the first two Indian wickets for 0, to not finish the innings will rankle England going into the final Test. For Gill, who had a forgettable match as captain, it will be a huge confidence boost. Will it make him a better skipper at The Oval? It very well could, and that’s what India will expect. For the moment, though, we keep thinking: what next in Manchester? And nothing amazes us anymore! 

Footnote: Ben Stokes did not bowl on Day 4, but is likely to on Day 5. He is the difference between the two sides, and India know that well. 

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