[WATCH] KL Rahul & Shubman Gill respect Injured Chris Woakes in 5th Test vs England

The final day of the fifth Test match between India and England at The Oval was a roller-coaster match with thrill and drama, and it produced a thrilling result and a wonderful moment of respect and sportsmanship. Indian batters KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were seen acknowledging England’s Chris Woakes for his extraordinary guts, despite squeezing pressure and agony, in what turned out to be one of the most thrilling climaxes in modern Test cricket.

England began Day 5 needing 35 runs with four wickets in hand, chasing an imposing 374-run target set by India. The tension was high, and the cricket was of the highest quality. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled with heart, and the wickets kept falling. But the highlight of the morning, apart from India sealing a six-run win, was Chris Woakes walking out to bat with a dislocated shoulder and his arm in a sling, willing to do whatever it took to help England reach the finish line.

Woakes had injured himself while fielding on Day 1, and it was uncertain whether he would bat at all. Yet, with 17 runs still needed and only one wicket remaining, he walked in at No. 11, unable to even hold the bat properly. Though he didn’t face a single ball Siraj bowled, Gus Atkinson, before Woakes could get on strike, his mere presence at the crease spoke volumes.

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Rahul and Gill’s gesture for injured Woakes shows the true spirit of the game

KL Rahul gave Woakes a pat on the back mere moments before he accepted Shubman's respectful gesture for coming out to bat injured. A brief, significant moment that summed up Test cricket competition with respect. Woakes' willingness to bat injured drew comparisons to Rishabh Pant's brave attempt earlier in the series, where he batted injured with a leg ailment. England Captain Joe Root even used Pant as an example while praising Woakes' character.

India’s stunning win and the 2–2 series draw will be remembered for years, but so will that moment of sportsmanship, a reminder that sometimes, the game is bigger than just the result. It’s about character, courage, and camaraderie.