India’s nail-biting six-run victory at The Oval didn’t just level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at 2-2—it encapsulated the grit, belief, and tactical clarity of a side that refused to back down, even when the odds were stacked. Speaking after the dramatic conclusion, stand-in captain Shubman Gill called the final morning a perfect reflection of what this Indian team represents: resilience under pressure, faith in ability, and an unwavering will to fight.
“Not Many Teams Would’ve Given Themselves a Chance”
When England ended Day 4 needing just 73 runs with seven wickets in hand, the odds were overwhelmingly in the hosts’ favour. A century partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook had swung the momentum England’s way. But the Indian camp saw something different — an opening.
“This morning kind of summarized what this team is all about. 70 odd runs, 7 wickets in hand… not many teams in the world would’ve given themselves a chance. But this team believes that whenever we have some kind of an opening, we can get through that,” Gill reflected.
And they did. Once Brook fell early on Day 5, India sensed a shift. From there, it was about sustained pressure, skillful bowling, and calm leadership.
Siraj and Prasidh: Old Ball, New Energy
India resisted the temptation to take the second new ball. Gill’s reasoning? Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were doing exactly what the team needed — making the old ball talk.
“We did have the option of a second new ball. But the way Siraj and Prasidh were bowling, we didn’t feel like we needed it. They can do the job for us even if it’s an 84-over-old ball,” Gill said.
Gill credited the pair for making his job as captain easier, emphasizing how their control allowed India to keep England in check. He also pointed out the mental game — the longer India extended the innings, the more pressure shifted to the batting side.
“It’s always more pressure on the batting team in that situation. It’s a one-ball game.”
Belief Beyond Stars: Depth in Indian Cricket
With big names like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah missing, many had written off India’s chances. But Gill wasn’t dwelling on who wasn’t there — he focused on what the players present could do.
“When you have players like Siraj, you don’t really feel like you’re missing others… Boom bhai is one of the best fast bowlers in the world, but I’ve always said, there is so much talent in this country.”
His message to the team was simple — focus on execution, keep the belief high, and bring your A-game when it matters most.
Lessons in Leadership: Embracing the Journey
This series marked Gill’s first stint as Test captain, and it came under the most intense circumstances — away from home, trailing in the series, and managing a young squad under pressure. The emotional highs and lows, he admitted, were part of the learning curve.
“There are moments like these, where you feel the journey is worth it… You should be able to navigate through the highs and lows of life and stay balanced throughout. That’s the real journey.”
Even as he learns the ropes of leadership, Gill’s calm and composed approach has drawn admiration. He believes in emotional balance, trusting the process over panic — an outlook that clearly rubbed off on the team.
A Fitting Finish to a Fierce Series
India’s comeback at The Oval will be remembered not just for the result, but for how it was achieved — with belief, pressure-play, and tactical excellence. From trailing 1-2 in the series to pulling off a victory in a high-stakes decider, India showed why they remain one of the most dangerous teams in world cricket.
Gill summed it up best:
“One more wicket from here, and you never know… it’s cricket.”
And just like that, from “you never know” to a euphoric win, India turned belief into reality.