The Indian men’s cricket team scripted a fairytale ending at The Oval, clinching a sensational victory to draw the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 against a spirited England side. In what was a see-sawing five-match Test series filled with drama, grit, and moments of magic, India’s win in the final Test wasn’t just about the result on the scoreboard—it was a testament to the team’s depth, resilience, and collective belief. The celebrations that erupted in the Indian camp after the series-levelling triumph reflected the emotional weight of this achievement.
Shortly after the final wicket fell, the Indian Cricket Team’s official Instagram handle posted a behind-the-scenes video that captured the raw emotions of players and coaching staff alike. The joy, relief, and pride were visible in every frame, as key members of the squad opened up about what this series meant to them.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has always championed the values of team-first cricket, set the tone in the video. “That is gonna be the ideology of the Test team, where it won’t be about individual-centric, it will be about the team,” he declared. “The way the boys have fought… I’ve always been a big believer that you should get what you deserve, not what you want. And I think these guys truly deserved this.”
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Leading from the front was captain Shubman Gill, who rewrote history with the bat. With 754 runs in the series, Gill surpassed the legendary Garry Sobers’ tally of 722 runs, becoming the highest-scoring touring captain in a Test series. Only the great Don Bradman, with 810 runs during the 1936–37 Ashes, has scored more in any Test series. For India, only Sunil Gavaskar’s 774-run feat in the West Indies stands above.
“I’m feeling ecstatic right now,” Shubman Gill said, visibly moved. “Very happy with how everyone contributed. Different players stepped up at different times, and that’s what you dream of as a captain. I’m also personally pleased with how I performed with the bat.”
KL Rahul, who played a steadying role in India’s middle order, called this series among the best he’s ever been part of. The seasoned batter amassed 532 runs at an average of 53.20, including two centuries and two fifties, finishing third on the series run charts. His contribution came at crucial junctures, often digging India out of tricky situations.
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“Extremely special,” KL Rahul said. “I think this is right up there as one of the best Test series I’ve been a part of. We’re all proud of how we represented India. The grit and character we showed as a unit—it’s been phenomenal.” Washington Sundar, one of India’s standout all-rounders, played a key role with both bat and ball. “This series will forever be special in my life,” Sundar reflected. “Test cricket demands energy across all five days. This series taught me a lot about how to rise in pressure situations. It’s been a season full of learning.”
For pacer Prasidh Krishna, who played the final Test, the experience was humbling and intense. He credited the entire support staff for their role behind the scenes. “The effort put in by everyone—from the physios to the masseurs—was incredible. Getting us ready to perform each day, especially on Day 5, is not easy. The credit goes to the whole team.”
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Reflecting on the match, Prasidh highlighted Mohammed Siraj’s early impact. “Siraj started off brilliantly. That first wicket gave us the momentum we needed. After that, it was tight, hit-and-miss, but we managed to land on the right side.”
Siraj, India’s match-winner in the decider, was named Player of the Match for his stunning nine-wicket haul. His intensity, discipline, and consistency were instrumental in turning the tide in India’s way. “Every bowler, every batsman—hats off to them,” said Siraj, deflecting praise to his teammates in true team spirit.
Karun Nair, speaking about the camaraderie in the camp, added, “What an amazing team we have. The bonding, the environment—it’s been fantastic. We’re just cherishing this moment. Coming to England and drawing a series of this magnitude is something special.” Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, one of the youngest members of the squad, admitted to feeling the nerves during the crunch moments.
“Honestly, I was nervous when I walked in. The conditions were overcast and the ball was swinging late, even after it passed the stumps. It wasn’t easy to keep. I kept telling myself—no byes, grab every opportunity, and make it hard for them to score,” he shared. For Jurel, wearing the India jersey is still a surreal experience. “The dream has always been to represent India in any format. Every time I walk out, it reminds me of that dream coming true.”
The victory at The Oval and the 2-2 series result won’t just go down in record books for stats and scores—it will be remembered for the spirit with which India fought back, their refusal to back down, and the emergence of a team that plays for each other. In a series marked by changing momentum, individual brilliance, and collective resilience, Team India proved once again why they are among the most formidable sides in world cricket.
