[WATCH] Former India star reflects on Shubman Gill and KL Rahul's partnership in ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

Thanks to captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul’s unbeaten partnership of 174 runs for the third wicket after losing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan in the opening over against Chris Woakes at Old Trafford in Manchester. At one point, it felt like the game would finish by the end of the day, but both showed resilience.

The former Indian batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, has expressed that both the right-handed batters had displayed excellent character during difficult conditions when the ball seamed and swung in cloudy conditions, as Ben Stokes tried various plans to break the stand.

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‘Even coming into the England conditions, the opening partnership has worked brilliantly, along with the top order, is for the contribution of KL Rahul, who plays the new ball. Shubman Gill also did that because they lost two wickets in the opening over. He played the early overs beautifully when the ball was swinging much, and there was uneven bounce.’ Bangar expressed during a recent interaction on Star Sports.

Watch: Sanjay Bangar reflects on Shubman Gill and KL Rahul’s partnership in ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

Gill remained unbeaten on 78 runs in 167 balls, shouldering on 167 balls, shouldering on 10 boundaries at a strike rate of 46.71. On the other hand, Rahul drilled 87 runs in 210 balls, with eight boundaries at 41.43.

Early setback ➡️ Solid comeback!#SanjayBangar lauds the resilience, grit & character showed by @ShubmanGill & @klrahul on Day 4 of the Manchester Test! 💪🏻

Will they continue to wear down England and take #TeamIndia to safety? 👀#ENGvIND 👉 4th TEST, DAY 5 | SUN, 27th JULY,… pic.twitter.com/yYTVRqem9f

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 27, 2025

‘There were short ball plans, and I was invited to play the big shots. But they still held their concentrations. When the boundaries were dried up for over 20 overs, they didn’t lose their character, resilience, and grit, and put up an attractive partnership between them.’ Bangar addressed.

Ben Stokes didn’t bowl for England in the second innings as he was struggling with a hamstring injury. Marcus Trescothick, the batting coach of the England side, remained hopeful of the pacer returning in full rhythm on the fifth day. Another part for the home side will be to break the stand before the second new ball arrives, which will open the gate for them to smell victory and earn the series before Kennington Oval.