No one had any expectations from this young Indian team. But, they end up leveling up the series and awestruck the cricket world. This series has shown us everything from passion to patience, determination to grit, sledging to bravery. Not a single emotion was left in fans that they didn’t experience during this series. This is the proof why test cricket still matters and is the pinnacle of the sport.
Despite the widespread dominance of short format across the globe, test cricket remains the constant. T20Is and ODIs are the places you go when you want some change in your life. It gives you excitement, freshness, and a surge of dopamine, but it’s temporary. When you need peace, joy, and adrenaline, things that make you feel alive and yourself. You come back to your roots, your home, and that is test cricket for the fans.
This series is filled with memorable and inspiring moments from both the sides. Moments that teach you a lot and are etched into your heart. Whether it’s the bravery of Pant and Woakes, Gill’s record-breaking performance, Stokes’ turmoil, Siraj’s passion, and Rahul’s patience.
The Lords: From where the mood for the series was set
Before the latter stages of Day 3 in the third Test, the series notably lacked significant drama or intensity. This dynamic shifted rather abruptly during the final session. With the scores level, the England side appeared hesitant to engage with even a few overs, opting instead to delay proceedings. Zak Crawley, in particular, was observed intentionally wasting time, seemingly to avoid facing Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball.
After multiple interruptions, Shubman Gill confronted Crawley, resulting in a charged verbal exchange. On the very next delivery, Crawley was struck on the glove and subsequently called for medical attention, further delaying the game. In response, Gill directed an impact player gesture toward the England dressing room, a befitting reply to Crawley’s act.
The atmosphere at Lord’s shifted dramatically; the tension was palpable, fueled not by the weather but by the escalating on-field conflict. From this incident onward, the stakes increased, national pride came to the forefront, and supporters on both sides became deeply invested emotionally.
Why Edgbaston belongs to Gill
At Edgbaston, Shubman Gill delivered a performance that will be remembered for ages. His first-innings 269, followed by a commanding 161 in the second, resulted in an extraordinary aggregate of 430 runs, the highest ever by an Indian in a single Test. This feat places him alongside Allan Border as only the second player in history to record scores of 150 or more in both innings of a Test match.
Gill’s achievements are particularly noteworthy given the scrutiny he has faced regarding his temperament and suitability for overseas conditions. Despite criticism, ranging from his reserved demeanor to doubts about his adaptability. Gill responded with remarkable composure and determination. His batting in this Test not only shattered longstanding records but also fundamentally altered the trajectory of the series, firmly establishing his reputation on English soil.
The inspiring bravery act of Pant and Woakes
Rishabh Pant put together one of the most courageous knocks of the tour at Old Trafford. Pant, bravely fighting through a broken foot, hobbled out to the wicket, scoring a memorable 54. A spirited counter-punch to pull India back from the brink. He appeared to be in agony, but he ran singles, took on the short ball, and was a thorn in the English bowlers’ side. This innings was not just about runs, but it was a demonstration of character. Pant’s bravery under duress turned the match and earned him admiration from teammates, opponents, and spectators alike.
Chris Woakes’ heroism in the final Test, striding out to bat after sustaining a dislocated shoulder and having his arm in a sling as England embarked on a thrilling chase. While he didn’t face a ball, his statement was clear. “Never thought about not going out there,” he said after India won by six runs. Woakes also admitted to being “still gutted” that he couldn’t finish the job.
Centuries and handshake drama at the Old Trafford
At Old Trafford, the dynamics extended far beyond the immediate match statistics. With just 15 overs remaining on the final day, Ben Stokes proposed a handshake, signaling his intention to conclude the game as a draw. Yet, Jadeja and Sundar declined, opting instead to pursue personal milestones by continuing their innings in pursuit of centuries.
England, having accepted the inevitability of a draw, turned to part-time bowlers such as Harry Brook, which appeared to provoke further tension. Members of the English side engaged in on-field verbal exchanges with the Indian pair, questioning the rationale behind seeking individual achievements in what was, by all accounts, a settled match. The atmosphere grew increasingly charged, culminating in Stokes departing the field without the customary post-match handshake.
An otherwise unremarkable draw thus escalated into a contentious episode, heightening the competitiveness of the series and providing a dramatic prelude to the decisive encounter at The Oval.
Akashdeep: From grief to glory
At Edgbaston, Akash Deep delivered a truly remarkable performance, securing ten wickets for 187 runs, an unprecedented achievement for an Indian bowler in England. Yet, the significance of this feat extends well beyond mere statistics. Akash’s journey to this moment has been marked by profound adversity: the loss of both his father and brother within a few months, mounting family responsibilities, and the emotional weight of his sister’s ongoing battle with cancer.
In this context, his accomplishment on the field becomes not just a professional milestone, but a deeply personal tribute. Dedicating his performance to his sister, Akash transformed his success into a gesture of resilience and solidarity. His rise from the challenges of domestic cricket to Test match heroics exemplifies perseverance, and his achievement at Edgbaston stands as both a breakthrough in his career and a poignant chapter in India’s cricketing history.
Baishali Karmakar 
Poorvisha R