Gill rates Manchester ton as his best, credits KL Rahul for sparking belief

India captain Shubman Gill rated his gritty second-innings hundred at Old Trafford as his most satisfying knock of the England tour so far, calling it a defining moment in the series. Gill, who has been in scintillating form throughout, notched up his fourth century of the tour to lead India’s stirring fightback in the drawn fourth Test at Manchester.

Speaking after the match, Gill said the innings stood out not just for the runs but for the mental resilience it required. “I think this inning of mine was the most pleasing to me,” said Gill in an interview with the BCCI. “To be able to have that same mindset for 140 overs is very difficult, and that is what differentiates a good team from a great team, and I think we showed that today.”

Gill-Rahul rescue act, Jadeja-Sundar heroics help India pull off dramatic draw at Old Trafford

India had found themselves in dire straits, reeling at 0 for 2 after being asked to follow on, still trailing by over 300 runs. But a 188-run partnership between Gill and KL Rahul on Day 4 laid the foundation for the rescue mission. Rahul’s composed 90 was the perfect foil to Gill’s authoritative hundred, helping instill belief in the dressing room.

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“Zero for two and then the partnership between me and KL bhai, I think that’s what ignited the belief that yes, we can achieve this task,” said Gill. “Extremely happy. To be able to get a draw from the position that we were in yesterday is extremely satisfying.”

After Gill and Rahul batted, it was Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar who made sure India didn't collapse on day five. Jadeja's calmness and Sundar's maiden Test century eased India to stumps, depriving England of what looked like an easy win from the ascendancy.

The 223-run partnership led unbroken by Jadeja and Sundar represents a nice ending to India's brave escape; the series now moves on to the fifth and final Test at The Oval. With England ahead by 2-1, India will celebrate this spirited draw before trying to level the series in London.