Six months ago, Gautam Gambhir laid out a vision for his Test side and on Sunday at Old Trafford, that vision came to life.
The Indian head coach declared during a press conference that his teams will be able to rack up runs quickly, go on the attack when needed, and bat two full days if the situation demands.
And that's what the Indian team led by Shubman Gill did in the fourth Test in Manchester. They stood tall against England’s pace and pressure, salvaging a draw in a game almost slipping out of their hands.
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The Indian team batted nearly one and a half days to save the fourth Test match. That effort didn’t just hold off defeat, but it breathed life back into the series.
Gautam Gambhir's vision for India a reality in tough draw at Old Trafford
Before India’s home Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in 2024, Gambhir had spoken clearly about what he expected from his team. He said:
"We want to be that team which can score 400 in a day and bat for two days to salvage a draw. That is growth, that is adaptability. That’s the kind of Test cricket we want to play.”
He also acknowledged that not every match can be won. Sometimes, teams must dig in, defend and adapt to survive.
"If we are ever in a situation where we have to bat for two days to draw a Test, we have players in the dressing room who can do that," he said. "Ultimately, our first motive is to win a match, but if the situation demands we play for a draw, we have to keep those options open."
At Old Trafford, that vision became reality.
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How did India pull off a draw at Old Trafford?
India were in deep trouble on Day 4, 1 run for 2 wickets and still behind by over 300 runs. England had scored a massive 669 and were hunting for a win to seal the series.
But KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill fought back with a 188-run partnership. Both batters were patient, composed, and batted with discipline, setting the tone for what would be a long, long stay at the crease.
Even though England got both of them out by lunch on Day 5, Gill for 103 and Rahul for 90, they failed to break the next wall.
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Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja then came together and stitched an unbeaten stand of 203 runs.
They batted through testing conditions, handled short balls, turners, and mind games, and didn’t let the pressure get to them. By the final hour, India had completely turned the match on its head.
Why did India decline Ben Stokes' draw offer and what happened next?
In a rather unusual moment, England skipper Ben Stokes walked up during the final hour and offered a handshake.
But India didn’t agree. Jadeja was on 89, Washington on 80, and clearly, the team wanted both to reach their hundreds.
Stokes wasn’t amused. He gave the ball to part-timer Harry Brook, but India stayed firm. Jadeja smashed a six to reach his century, and Washington completed his maiden ton as well and that was the end.
What does this mean for the series and Gambhir’s coaching journey?
With the match ending in a draw, England continues to lead the five-match series 2-1. But India showed they’re still in the fight.
The fifth and final Test will begin on Thursday, July 31, at The Oval in London. Gambhir’s side, though battered, will carry the belief that they can level the series.