‘My partnership with KL Rahul ignited the spark’ – Shubman Gill recalls India’s brave efforts to draw Manchester Test

Indian captain Shubman Gill was one of three centurions that lit up the fifth day of the Manchester Test against England. Despite being in difficulty early on, India managed to draw the game on the dramatic final day at Old Trafford. Gill led from the front and scored a captain’s knock despite batting at No. 4 to help the squad escape difficulty against the Ben Stokes-led side.

His record-breaking 188-run third-wicket stand with experienced opener KL Rahul set the stage for India’s comeback on Day 5. Rahul fell for 90, missing out on his third three-figure score of the series, but Gill believes it was this partnership that first allowed the Indians compete with a powerful English attack on a tricky batting surface.

“From 0 for 2, I believe the cooperation KL bhai and I had sparked [the flame], and sure, we can complete this assignment. Very happy. It’s incredibly satisfying to be able to draw from where we were yesterday. “This was my most satisfying innings,” Gill told the BCCI after the game.

After the departures of Gill and Rahul, the situation appeared to worsen, with India still unable to overcome the deficit imposed by England. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, on the other hand, demonstrated steel nerves and battled whatever came their way with unwavering focus. Gill claims that the ball began to misbehave, but the two left-handed batters performed admirably.

“When Jaddu bhai and Washy batted, it wasn’t easy. The ball was doing something, but the way they batted calmly and scored Test centuries from there demonstrates how significant the achievement is,” the Fazilka native added.

We’re great team: Shubman Gill

Gill further accepted that it was difficult to be batting for so long and keeping themselves stable, both physically and in terms of their mindset. The youngster believes that the difference in mindset as against England is what stood out for the Indian team, and it eventually was the reason that they were able to be successful in their cause.

“To be able to have the same mindset for 140-odd overs is very difficult. That’s what is the difference between a good team from a great team. We showed today why we’re a great team,” he concluded.