Virat Kohli turns 37 today. Social media platforms are flooding with 'Happy Birthday Virat Kohli' posts. Active cricketers, former cricketers, IPL franchises, and cricket-loving fans... all wished the legend of Indian cricket on this special day. Through this article, we will only try to find out some of the social media posts shared by active and former cricketers wishing Virat Kohli well.

Active players like Jitesh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal shared some of their memorable photos with Virat and wished him a very happy birthday. Former cricketers like Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Munaf Patel, Vinay Nagar, Aakash Chopra, Adam Gilchrist, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ishant Sharma also did not forget to wish the iconic batter on November 5. 

Yuvaraj Singh shared a heart-touching video with the caption, "Once a king, always a king. Happy birthday, Virat Kohli. Sending you lots of love for a great year ahead. Stay blessed!" 

Read More: WATCH: Jemimah Rodrigues’ father reveals how MS Dhoni’s influence helped for Women's World Cup 2025 preparations

Countless birthday wishes for Virat Kohli on social media platforms

As the cricket fans know, Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli are childhood friends. Like the previous years, this year too Ishant shared a special post for his dear friend. 

Happy Birthday Virat bhaiya. You’ve inspired me and a whole generations with your passion and spirit. Through every triumph and challenge, our respect for you has only grown stronger, Keep smiling @imVkohli bhaiya. pic.twitter.com/IARPei2KJo

— Jitesh Sharma (@jiteshsharma55) November 5, 2025

To the man with fierce spirit, the heart that beats for every challenge, May you continue to inspire generations to come.
God bless and Happy Birthday Virat bhaiya 🫂🤍 🎂 pic.twitter.com/c6HT7jiXiN

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) November 5, 2025

Happy Birthday, Virat Bhai 🎂♥️
Keep shining and inspiring always. @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/whc27zz8ab

— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) November 5, 2025

Once a King, always a King 👑 Happy birthday @imVkohli 🎂 Sending you lots of love for a great year ahead. Stay blessed! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9DhcCFS6DS

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 5, 2025

King Kohli turns 37! 🎂🏏 @imVkohli Celebrating the incredible journey of Virat Kohli, a true legend of Indian cricket! Wishing him a year filled with more records, victories, and joy! 🙏💕 #HappyBirthdayViratKohli pic.twitter.com/DCUx8QDlch

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) November 5, 2025

Happy birthday @imVkohli …Have a great day and wishing you the best for the year ahead! pic.twitter.com/i1BDj98EEX

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) November 5, 2025

Happy Birthday Virat Kohli!

India ke liye aur bhi virat pariyan baki hain aur hume unka intezar! Have a wonderful year head 👑 pic.twitter.com/S8bmxXdqLT

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 5, 2025

Happy birthday, Virat.

Have a magnificent year ahead, wishing you best for your career. ❤ pic.twitter.com/jhO5GWoN7T

— Adam Gillchrist (@adam_gilly98) November 5, 2025

Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday @imVkohli #HappyBirthday #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/a9OaKL4D3e

— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) November 5, 2025

Happy birthday chase master. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Have a great one 🎂#HappyBirthdayViratKohli pic.twitter.com/Uraxa0Cs0w

— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) November 5, 2025

Ishant Sharma never forgets to wish him on time. The best bond ever 🤍#HappyBirthdayViratKohli pic.twitter.com/zAVUn0ZPlW

— ` (@chixxsays) November 5, 2025

Kohli defined modern cricket with his skillful batting and aggression on the pitch. Unlike relying on some of the crazy shots of modern cricket, the right-handed batter still can score runs at a quick pace with a straight bat. In T20Is, he played 125 matches for Team India to score 4188 runs at an average of 48.69. In tests, the batting maestro featured in 123 matches, accumulating 9230 runs in total at a batting average of 46.85. His batting stats are more eye-catching in the One Day International format, where his batting average is 57.71 after playing 305 games.

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from India’s T20I squad currently touring Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Sunday. The decision comes with two matches still remaining in the five-match T20I series, which is currently level at 1-1.

According to the BCCI, the move was made to allow Kuldeep to get valuable red-ball match practice ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, starting November 14. He will now join the India A squad for their second unofficial Test against South Africa A, scheduled to begin on November 6 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

“The Indian team management has requested to release Kuldeep Yadav from the ongoing T20I series in Australia to allow him to participate in the India A series against South Africa A,” the BCCI said in its statement. “The decision has been taken to provide Kuldeep with red-ball game time in preparation for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.”

Kuldeep Yadav Set to Join India A Squad

Kuldeep’s inclusion strengthens an already formidable India A lineup led by Rishabh Pant, who recently returned to competitive cricket after injury. The squad also features several Test regulars, including KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

India A won the first four-day match against South Africa A by three wickets, with Pant scoring a crucial 90 in the second innings. Kuldeep’s addition is expected to bolster the spin department for the second match.

India A squad for 2nd unofficial Test: Rishabh Pant (C & WK), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar and other cricket legends attend IND vs SA ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final

Focus Shifts to Red-Ball Preparation

Kuldeep did not feature in India’s playing XI during their series-levelling win in Hobart in the third T20I. He last played a Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru in October 2024 before impressing in the two-Test series against West Indies earlier this year, where he claimed 12 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.

India’s Test series against South Africa begins at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 14, followed by the second Test in Guwahati from November 22.

India’s Updated T20I Squad for Final Two Matches

With Kuldeep’s release, India’s squad for the last two T20Is against Australia is as follows: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar.

Kuldeep’s release highlights India’s long-term planning as they balance immediate white-ball commitments with preparations for the crucial red-ball contests ahead. The move also underscores the management’s emphasis on ensuring players gain the right match exposure in the buildup to major Test assignments.

In the crucial third T20I of the five-match series in the Australia tour, India have made three crucial changes, as Sanju Samson and Kuldeep Yadav have been benched along with Harshit Rana. 

Bellerive Oval in Hobart is hosting the third game of the series, while hosts Australia lead 1-0 after winning the second T20I by four wickets following the no result in the series opener. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss in the Hobart T20I, as the crowd roared for that achievement, while the Indian skipper chose to bowl first. At the toss, he confirmed three changes, as the wicketkeeper Sanju Samson and left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav have been benched, along with the right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana.  

See Also: Riyan Parag set to lead Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, replacing Sanju Samson — Report

AUS vs IND, 3rd T20I: Why Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson are not playing

Sanju Samson scored only two runs in the previous T20I at MCG, and Jitesh Sharma has replaced him for the Hobart T20I. Although Sanju has been criticised for his inconsistent performances despite getting many opportunities in T20Is, he played some crucial roles in the Asia Cup T20I 2025 success, including scoring a valuable 24 runs in the Final against Pakistan, where he set a stable 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket with the hero Tilak Varma. Sanju was the third leading run-scorer for India in that tournament with 132 runs in four innings with an average of 33.00 and a strike rate of 124.52. If Sanju isn't injured, the latest drop may be harsh treatment for him.  

Meanwhile, Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav for the Hobart T20I. This alteration may be to extend the batting line-up for the game, while the in-form Kuldeep will surely get more chances later. 

Also, India's leading T20I wicket-taker, the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, has joined the playing XI as a replacement for the right-arm fast bowler Harshit Rana. 

Australia vs India: Hobart T20I Playing XIs

Australia Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Matt Kuhnemann

India Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Ex-India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recommends including Kuldeep Yadav in India’s final ODI lineup against Australia in Sydney. Ashwin emphasized that Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist-spin offers a distinct advantage that could trouble Australian batters.

Kuldeep has been absent from the first two matches of the series, during which India suffered back-to-back defeats. These losses handed Australia a 2-0 lead and ensured they clinched the three-match ODI series even before the final game.

Ashwin believes that including Kuldeep in the last game could add variety to India’s bowling attack and potentially give the team a chance to end the series on a high note, providing valuable exposure to the young spinner in challenging conditions.

See Also: [WATCH] Indian players take Uber in Australia; cab driver’s wholesome reaction wins hearts

Ravichandran Ashwin on Kuldeep Yadav’s Presence in Playing 11:

On his YouTube show ‘Ash ki Baat’, Ravichandran Ashwin detailed how Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion might have strengthened India’s bowling attack, highlighting the unique challenges the left-arm wrist-spinner poses for opposition batters and why he could have impacted the series outcome.

R Ashwin said, “ Axar Patel and Washington Sundar both took wickets, so we can’t fault their efforts. But the key is taking wickets. Look at Adam Zampa—he took four wickets, and his ball spins too. Think about it, has Cooper Connolly ever faced Kuldeep? Matthew Short, maybe here and there. Alex Carey has faced him but struggled. Mitchell Owen hasn’t played against him at all.”

He further said, “ This Australian batting lineup hasn’t seen Kuldeep before. Historically, everyone who faces him early on struggles. So leaving him out isn’t the wisest call. I hope he gets a game in Sydney. Harshit Rana has contributed with both bat and ball, but Kuldeep offers something extra—he’s a proven wicket-taker.”

India faces a final opportunity to prevent a series sweep in Sydney on Saturday. In Adelaide, India scored 264/9, thanks to Rohit Sharma’s 73 off 97 balls and Shreyas Iyer’s 61, but Australia’s Adam Zampa (4/60) and Xavier Bartlett (3 wickets, including Kohli’s duck) dominated the bowling.

Australia easily chased India’s 264-run target, finishing with over three overs remaining. Cooper Connolly led the innings with an unbeaten 61 from 53 balls, hitting five fours and a six, while Matt Short added a fluent fifty to guide the chase.

With the series already lost, India aims to restore some pride in the final ODI. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin’s comments have sparked discussion about Kuldeep Yadav’s absence, emphasizing how the left-arm wrist-spinner could have added variety and strengthened India’s bowling attack in the series, potentially altering the outcome of earlier matches.

The former Indian spin all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, has slammed the Indian management for their wrong team selection during the second ODI of the three-match series against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. He argued that the left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, could have been the unique threat to India’s bowling attack. 

In the same encounter, Adam Zampa, the premier leg spinner of the Australian side, returned with figures of 4/60 in the game, as he ran through the middle order of the Blue Brigade. He was excellent in picking the wickets, including Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Axar Patel.

See Also: PCB takes new initiative to observe breast cancer awareness during 1st T20I against South Africa

Axar Patel and Washington Sundar both took wickets, so we can’t fault their efforts. But the key is taking wickets. Look at Adam Zampa—he took four wickets, and his ball spins too. Think about it, has Cooper Connolly ever faced Kuldeep? Matthew Short, maybe here and there. Alex Carey has faced him but struggled. Mitchell Owen hasn’t played against him at all.” Ashwin expressed during a recent interaction on his YouTube channel’s video.

Ravichandran Ashwin blames India’s management for 2-0 series defeat against Australia

Since the start of 2023, Kuldeep is India’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs in away fixtures with 16 scalps at an average of under 20, celebrating two four-wicket hauls. He could have brought a different angle to the game against both the right-handed and left-handed batters of the opposition.

“This Australian batting lineup hasn’t seen Kuldeep before. Historically, everyone who faces him early on struggles. So leaving him out isn’t the wisest call. I hope he gets a game in Sydney. Harshit Rana has contributed with both bat and ball, but Kuldeep offers something extra—he’s a proven wicket-taker.” Ashwin shed light during the discussion.

India didn’t pick Kuldeep in the opening game of the series at the Optus Stadium in Perth due to their strategy of using four pacers on the bouncy surface to extra pace off the track. But it was baffling to understand why they didn’t bring him in the eleven on the dry surface of the Adelaide Oval as they move to Sydney for the third fixture on October 25.

Two of India’s most entertaining cricketers, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav, have once again set social media buzzing, this time with their hilarious Diwali-themed reel titled “Pataake Kahan Hai” (meaning “Where are the firecrackers?”). The 36-second video, filmed at what appears to be the Adelaide Oval, shows the duo in Indian team jackets, dramatically searching for fireworks while laughing and making playful expressions. The phrase flashes across the screen as upbeat Punjabi music plays in the background, perfectly capturing their mock disappointment at missing Diwali celebrations while on tour.

Arshdeep and Kuldeep share Diwali laughs from Australia with their viral “Pataake Kahan Hai” reel

Posted around October 21, 2025, coinciding with Diwali, the clip quickly went viral, drawing laughter and love from fans worldwide. With India currently in Australia for a white-ball series, the reel humorously highlights the contrast between festive India and the quieter Aussie setting, no firecrackers, just cricket. The two bowlers have a long history of such light-hearted content; from their dance videos after the Asia Cup 2025 win to post-match comedy clips, their chemistry off the field mirrors their effectiveness on it.

Watch the video:

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Arshdeep Singh (@_arshdeep.singh__)

ALSO SEE: How Indian team celebrated Diwali amid the AUS vs IND 2025 series?

Behind the fun, the video also reflects a relatable sentiment, homesickness. Diwali, celebrated this year on October 20, is synonymous with family gatherings, sweets, and fireworks. For players touring abroad, the festival often becomes a reminder of the distance from home. Yet, Arshdeep and Kuldeep turned that feeling into laughter, reminding fans that even amid packed schedules, there’s room for joy and connection.

Both cricketers are key members of India’s current squad. Arshdeep, the left-arm seamer known for his death-overs precision, and Kuldeep, the crafty wrist-spinner fresh off a five-wicket haul against the West Indies, are part of India’s ongoing Australia tour, a crucial series ahead of next year’s major tournaments.

India Tour of Australia 2025 – Schedule

As the tour continues, fans are already calling for a “Pataake Challenge” from the duo’s teammates. Whether or not that happens, one thing is certain, Arshdeep and Kuldeep have lit up Diwali in their own special way, bringing a spark of home thousands of miles away.

The former Indian spin all-rounder, Ravichandran Ashwin, has questioned the management’s selection procedure for the opening ODI of the three-match series against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. They decided to leave out the left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, from the playing eleven to keep two spin all-rounders- Washington Sundar and Axar Patel- in the eleven.

Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, exposed head coach Gautam Gambhir and co. for the team selection. He wondered how many all-rounder they would want in the eleven that they took their focus from the bowling attack.

See Also: [WATCH] Mitchell Marsh’s six ends in cheeky crowd catch during AUS vs IND 1st ODI as hilarious video goes viral

“I can understand why two spinners are playing in the team, along with Nitish Reddy. They want that batting depth, because Axar and Washington can bat, but bowling ke upar bhi thoda dhyan dedo yaar (concentrate on bowling as well). In these big grounds, if Kuldeep can’t bowl with a lot of freedom, then where will he play? And there will be overspin, which will get him more bounce.” Ashwin expressed on his YouTube channel.

Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin exposes Gautam Gambhir’s decision to omit Kuldeep Yadav in AUS vs IND Perth ODI

India were restricted to 136/9 in their 26 overs under tough conditions amid several rain breaks as their top order failed terribly. Axar and Sundar, with the ball, combined to finish with figures of 2/33 in six overs at an economy rate of 5.50.

🚨Ravi Ashwin thrashed Gautam Gambhir for dropping Kuldeep Yadav & playing too many all rounders.

"Please focus on bowling too, if Kuldeep can't bowl on these big grounds with freedom then where is he gonna bowl? They will talk about this batting depth but it is batter's job to… pic.twitter.com/C4Uphr4Ed6

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 19, 2025

“See, I understand that they will talk about this batting depth, but if that is going to help you win games, then batters should be able to take the responsibility. If they are playing extra batters, then they are again shielding the batting line-up. I will always say, play your best bowlers.” The Chennai-born addressed.  

“Don’t pick a player only because you want to extend your batting. Kitne all-rounders chaiye aapko (How many all-rounders do you want)? You already have three. Even after having Nitish in the side, if you can’t play your best bowlers, then I can’t get it at all.” Ashwin concluded in the same YouTube video.

Kuldeep Yadav earned his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests during the first innings of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. But he didn’t look sharp in the second, with the visiting batter coming hard at home with aggressive shots, making it hard for the left-arm spinner to continue at the same line and length. 

Kuldeep kept bowling a bit fuller to the West Indies batters, with the powerful batters using their feet and power to smash them around the park for the big shots. The shoulder kept dropping for the individual and the entire side as they lacked plans to dismiss the opposition batters.

See Also: [WATCH] Mohammed Siraj sends back centurion Shai Hope during IND vs WI 2nd Test in Delhi

However, he finally ended the jinx with the wicket of Tevlin Imlach for 12 runs. The right-hander wasn’t sure of which side the ball was spinning in that over. He went on his front foot on the first two balls but had no idea. Kuldeep pulled the length as the ball hit the crack and went low to find the batter plumb before the stump.

Watch: Kuldeep Yadav traps Tevlin Imlach for 12 during IND vs WI 2nd Test

Imlach didn’t even think of going for a discussion with his partner, Captain Roston Chase, at the other end, and he kept walking back to the dressing room. The morning session for the Indian team began with India being able to break the 177-run stand for the third wicket between John Campbell and Shai Hope.

Fielders placed perfectly! 🎯@imjadeja sticks to the plan and #DevduttPadikkal makes no mistake. 🇮🇳

Catch the LIVE action 👉 https://t.co/WbUGnskEdz#INDvWI 👉 2nd Test, Day 4 | Live Now on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/U7abXj4HwQ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 13, 2025

The former smashed a fine knock of 115 runs in 199 balls with the help of 12 boundaries and three sixes, while Hope celebrated his first red-ball century after eight years. The right-handed batter went back to the pavilion for 103 runs. But since the latter’s dismissal, the home side found a way to keep making breakthroughs.

Kuldeep, after sending back Imlach, picked up two wickets of Chase and Khary Pierre in a span of three balls and brought India back in the contest. Justin Greaves is the only arranged batter left in the unit as the lead goes to near 40 runs with three wickets left.  

Kuldeep Yadav makes his return to the longest format after a long time since picking up an injury in the last home Test series against New Zealand. He wasn’t part of any away red-ball series against Australia and England, but he showed incredible skills with the ball in the shortest format of the game.

The morning session started with the Indian spinner sending back Shai Hope, who thought of the ball coming straight at him, but it drifted away off the surface to hit the stumps. In the very next over, he trapped Kevin Imlach before the stumps, who went in the backfoot and couldn’t tickle the ball into the leg side.

See Also: "Throw you into..."- Gautam Gambhir leaks secret conversation with Shubman Gill while appointing him as India's Test captain

But the best and most memorable wicket of the innings came for Kuldeep, Jayden Seales. He was on four wickets by the start of the second session as Shubman Gill kept going with him into the attack. The old ball wasn’t spinning much to make it hard for the batters, who looked in an aggressive mood.

Watch: Jayden Seales’ wicket gives Kuldeep Yadav his fifth fifer during IND vs WI 2nd Test

But once the second new ball was taken, there was a difference straightaway. On the fifth ball of his second new ball spell, Seales got beaten on his defense against Kuldeep as the ball hit him on the top of the pads. The umpire raised the finger instantly as the review couldn’t save the southpaw, with Kuldeep celebrating his first five-wicket haul after nearly 18 months, which spanned just two Tests though.

Kuldeep wields his magic with 5/82 🪄

WATCH his superb spell 🔽#TeamIndia | #INDvWI | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imkuldeep18

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 12, 2025

With the wicket, Kuldeep joined Jonny Wardle to pick five five-wicket hauls in the red-ball format, which is the joint most in the history of the game, overtaking Paul Adams (4). He now has 19 wickets in the longest format in four games against this opponent at a strike rate of 33.8.

India, having bundled out the opponents for 248 runs, enforced the follow-on with a lead of 270 runs. This is the first time an Indian captain has enforced the follow-on with a sub-300 lead since Virat Kohli did it against Bangladesh in Fatullah in 2015.  

Team India pacer Arshdeep Singh shared a funny moment with Kuldeep Yadav during their recent Test series against England. The five-match series ended in a 2-2 draw.

Before the fourth Test in Manchester, the Indian team met Manchester United players at their training ground in Old Trafford. Both teams had fun together, playing a little cricket and football.

Arshdeep Singh recalled how Kuldeep Yadav went to the Manchester United players and talked about their formations and playing style. Arshdeep jokingly told Kuldeep not to do that because he would not be able to run away from the football players if something went wrong.

Also Read -"I'm Sure He Will Receive Full Support" – Former West Indies Skipper Richie Richardson Praises Shubman Gill’s Leadership Skills

Arshdeep Singh Recalls Funny Moment with Kuldeep Yadav

“Even if you tell him about football, he will start talking for an hour and a half. I do not know much about football, but Kuldeep started telling the players about their formations, who should play left wing, right wing, and that they should play attacking. I was like, what is he doing? I told Kuldeep, you cannot run faster than them, and you do not have the strength to escape. I said, I am leaving,” Arshdeep said on Breakfast with Champions.

Notably, both Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav did not play a single game in the series. Kuldeep has played 14 Tests so far, while Arshdeep is yet to make his debut in this format.

Arshdeep Singh said that playing Test cricket earns you a different level of respect something that T20s and ODIs can’t match!

Waiting for Shubman Gill to feature on Breakfast with Champions ft. Gaurav Kapur, that would be pure entertainment!pic.twitter.com/HN3mzc9YMr

— GillTheWill (@GillTheWill77) October 9, 2025

India’s Victory at The Oval

During the final Test, India were in a do-or-die situation to save the series, with England ahead 2-1. On the last day, England needed 35 runs to win with four wickets in hand. But India defended successfully and won by six runs, bowling England out for 367 chasing 374.

Arshdeep said the team had self-belief. “The team environment was calm. We knew that if we bowled with discipline, they would take chances. Getting an early wicket gave us more confidence. Emotions are always there, but bringing that energy on the fifth day is commendable, especially the way Siraj bowled,” he said.

Mohammed Siraj was the Player of the Match, taking four wickets in the first innings and five in the second. In Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, Siraj led India’s bowling attack.