On July 26, 2025, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul delivered a performance for the ages on Day 4 of the 4th Test between India and England. Facing a monumental challenge after England’s imposing first-innings total of 669, India’s second innings began in tatters at 0/2. Yet, through sheer determination and skill, Gill and Rahul stitched together an unbeaten 174-run partnership, breathing life into a seemingly lost cause and etching their names into Indian cricket history.
Match Situation
England’s batting, led by Ben Stokes’ superb 141, alongside contributions from Joe Root (150), Ben Duckett (94), Zak Crawley (84), and Ollie Pope (71), had piled on 669 runs, leaving India trailing by 311 runs after their first innings of 358. The Indian bowling unit, despite efforts from Ravindra Jadeja (4-143) and Jasprit Bumrah (2-112), toiled for 157 overs. When India’s second innings began, Chris Woakes struck immediately, dismissing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the first over, leaving India staring at an innings defeat.
Shubman Gill’s Resilience
Shubman Gill, India’s captain, walked into a cauldron of pressure. Having struggled in recent innings with balls angling into him—evident in dismissals at Lord’s and earlier in this Test—Gill faced a personal and team crisis. England’s bowlers, particularly Woakes and Jofra Archer, targeted him with nip-backers and surprise yorkers.
Initially tentative, Gill survived close calls, including a dropped catch by Liam Dawson at 48 and two DRS reviews that went his way. Displaying remarkable adaptability, he recalibrated his technique, ensuring a smoother weight transfer and a confident stride. His 78* off 167 balls featured elegant straight drives, including one off Woakes and another off Brydon Carse, where he held his pose, signaling his triumph over adversity. India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, praised Gill’s transformation, noting, “Every batsman, at some stage, changes the way they bat in Test cricket. Shubman seems to be doing that brilliantly in England.”
KL Rahul’s Composure
KL Rahul, batting at the other end, was a picture of calm. His 87* off 210 balls showcased his impeccable Test match technique. Playing close to his body and meeting the ball late, KL Rahul negated England’s early off-stump probing. When England shifted to a short-ball strategy in the final session, placing four fielders square and behind the wicket, KL Rahul refused to take the bait, safely bringing the ball down instead of playing risky pulls.
KL Rahul’s methodical approach frustrated England’s bowlers, including Stokes, and provided the stability that allowed Gill to settle. Rahul’s performance was particularly significant as he returned to the side under pressure, proving his worth with a disciplined and assured display.
Together, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul faced 317 balls, batting through two full sessions to take India to 174/2 at stumps, trailing by 137 runs. Their partnership, described as reminiscent of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman’s iconic 2001 stand against Australia, was a masterclass in resilience. It also broke a 55-year record, making them the first Indian batting duo since Sunil Gavaskar (774) and Dilip Sardesai (642) in 1970-71 to each score over 500 runs in an away Test series.
Shubman Gill’s series tally reached 697 runs, while Rahul’s stood at 508, with Rahul also becoming the first visiting opener since Graeme Smith (2003) to score 500+ runs in a Test series in England in the 21st century. This partnership, the highest in Test cricket after a team lost its first two wickets without scoring, gave India a fighting chance to secure a draw and keep the series alive.
Looking Ahead to Day 5
As India heads into the final day, the focus will be on Gill and Rahul to continue their defiance. With Rishabh Pant nursing a foot injury, the onus is on this pair to bat out as many overs as possible. Their performance has not only given India a lifeline but also showcased the team’s resilience under Gill’s leadership. Whether they can secure a draw or England can force a result, this partnership has already cemented its place in Indian cricket lore, proving that in Test cricket, hope persists until the final ball.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Shubman Gill (78*), KL Rahul (87*) Defy England On Day 4