In an unforgettable display of grit and brilliance, Indian cricket heroes Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja delivered match-saving performances to secure a dramatic draw in the 4th Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 27, 2025. Their heroic efforts kept India in contention in the five-match series, with England leading 2-1 as the teams gear up for the final Test. This inspiring result has electrified cricket fans across India and beyond, showcasing the team’s unyielding spirit.

Shubman Gill’s Record-Shattering Century Anchors India’s Fight

Leading from the front, captain Shubman Gill played a masterful 103 off 238 balls, steering India out of a precarious 311-run deficit. His fourth century of the series—a first for an Indian in a Test series in England—surpassed Virat Kohli’s 655-run record from 2016. Gill’s 174-run stand with KL Rahul, spanning 417 balls, frustrated England’s bowlers and kept India alive. Despite falling to Jofra Archer before lunch, Gill’s resolute knock set the stage for India’s remarkable recovery.

KL Rahul’s Steadfast 90 Bolsters India’s Resistance

KL Rahul’s gritty 90 off 230 balls was instrumental in India’s defiance, ensuring two wicketless sessions on Day 4. His partnership with Gill reduced England’s lead to 137 runs by stumps, keeping hopes alive. Rahul fell agonizingly short of a century when Ben Stokes dismissed him lbw, but his effort brought him within 11 runs of joining Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Rahul Dravid as Indians with 1,000 Test runs in England.

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar’s Centuries Seal the Draw

With India trailing by 88 runs at lunch on Day 5, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar turned the tide with sensational centuries. Jadeja, surviving an early drop by Joe Root, remained unbeaten on 100, showcasing his trademark resilience. Washington Sundar, batting at No. 5, smashed a maiden Test ton with flair, including a six and a four. Their 139-run stand erased England’s lead, taking India to 419/4 and a 108-run advantage. When Stokes offered a draw, India batted on, allowing Jadeja and Sundar to complete their milestones, cementing a historic draw.

England’s Dominance Stifled by India’s Resolve

England’s first innings total of 669, driven by Ben Stokes’ 141 and Joe Root’s 150, gave them a commanding 311-run lead over India’s 358. Stokes’ century, his first in two years, and a five-wicket haul (5/72) put England in control. However, India’s batters, led by Gill, Rahul, Jadeja, and Sundar, neutralized England’s attack on a flattening pitch. Despite Archer’s breakthroughs, England managed only four wickets in 142 overs, with rain forecasts adding pressure. India’s resilience ensured the draw.

Key Highlights and Records from the 4th Test

• Shubman Gill’s Historic Series: Gill’s 722 runs in the series place him third among Indian run-scorers in a Test series, behind Sunil Gavaskar’s 774 and 732. He also matched Garry Sobers’ record for most runs by a captain in a Test series in SENA nations.
• Jadeja’s All-Round Mastery: Jadeja’s century and 4/143 in England’s innings made him the first player to score 2,000 runs and take 100 wickets in World Test Championship history.
• Sundar’s Breakthrough Ton: Washington Sundar’s century and 2/107 with the ball marked a defining moment, establishing him as a key all-rounder.
• Rahul’s Near-Milestone: Rahul’s 90 took him to 989 Test runs in England, just shy of a historic 1,000-run mark.
• England’s Massive Total: England’s 669 was their highest Test score at Old Trafford, eclipsing Australia’s 656/8 from 1964.

India’s Depth Overcomes Early Setbacks

India faced early blows with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan dismissed for ducks by Chris Woakes, and Rishabh Pant’s injury added to the challenges. However, the depth shown by Jadeja, Sundar, and Shardul Thakur (41 in the first innings) proved decisive. India’s refusal to accept Stokes’ draw offer reflected their fighting spirit, with Jadeja and Sundar’s centuries capping a monumental effort.

What Lies Ahead for India and England?

With the series at 2-1, the fifth Test promises an electrifying finale. India, buoyed by this draw, will aim to level the series, with Gill’s leadership and Jadeja and Sundar’s all-round brilliance providing momentum. England, despite their dominance, will lament missed chances but remain favorites with Stokes and Root in fine form. Fans are in for a thrilling conclusion to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy.

Why This Match Captivates Cricket Fans

This Test epitomized the drama and spirit of cricket, with Gill’s record-breaking series, Rahul’s resolve, and Jadeja and Sundar’s heroics keeping India alive. For England, Stokes’ all-round brilliance and Root’s milestones underscored their strength. This draw is a celebration of Test cricket’s enduring charm, with every session delivering unforgettable moments.

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