Former Indian opener and current head coach Gautam Gambhir was visibly pleased with his team’s resilient draw against England in the Manchester Test. His pride was evident as he fielded questions from the media and took out a sharp word for critics of captain Shubman Gill, emphasizing that the Indian team plays for the common man at home.
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Gambhir declared that the players will not emulate past legends but carve out their own legacy. He praised the team’s spirit after they refused to crumble under pressure and wrestled the match back in their favour.
‘Our Players Won’t Follow History, They Will Make Their Own’
Addressing the press after the Test, Gambhir said that many pundits had already written India off, yet the team showed a sterling comeback. He remarked that these players are not just competing for personal glory—they are fighting for the nation’s ordinary citizen.
In his words, “They want to fight for the country. Many had counted us out in the fourth Test, but we came back thanks to grit. That is our cornerstone.”
When asked if he referenced his own match-saving 137 in Napier in 2009 to motivate the team, Gambhir dismissively replied that he does not remember his old innings. “That history is done, I believe these players must craft their own history. No one in this team will follow anyone—they will write their own legacy.”
Gill, KL Rahul, Jadeja & Sundar Stand Tall
A 188-run edge-sharing stand between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul stabilized India during tough times. Later, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja stitched together a 203-run partnership that sealed the draw and kept the series alive.
Gambhir pinpointed the leadership and maturity shown in those tense moments as signs of India’s emerging resilience.
Gambhir Defends Gill’s Captaincy Amid Critics
Despite criticism targeting captain Shubman Gill, Gambhir backed him fully. Gill has scored four centuries in this series—an impressive feat for any captain, let alone a rookie.
Gambhir said, “If anyone doubted his talent, they lack cricketing insight. Many players take time to settle in international cricket. Gill has performed consistently.”
He added that Gill bats as a pure batsman, not feeling the added burden of captaincy, and continues to deliver under pressure.
Pant’s Courage and the Spirit of the Team
Rishabh Pant, after suffering a fractured foot while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes, still contributed valuable runs in India’s first innings. He did not bat again in the second innings, as Jadeja and Sundar handled the rescue act.
Gambhir praised Pant’s bravery, saying, “He has been ruled out of the series, but his courage speaks volumes. Few players have shown such fearless commitment in the past.”
Psychological Advantage Ahead of Final Test
Gambhir believes the draw furnishes India with psychological momentum ahead of the fifth Test at Lord’s, beginning 31 July.
He said, “The team delivered under pressure. That builds inner confidence. I am confident we will walk into Oval with belief—but we cannot take anything for granted.”
Team Unity Through Transition
Under new leadership, the team is undergoing transition, but Gambhir insists it remains fundamentally unchanged.
He noted, “You spoke of change. But I see a team of the best available 18 players representing India. Experience matters, but the drive to compete is constant.”
Gautam Gambhir’s post-match remarks reflect a strong belief in Indian cricket’s future. His message is clear: the current team will forge its own path and not rest in the shadow of past heroes. With transformational performances by Gill, Rahul, Jadeja, Sundar, and Pant, Team India has shown the resilience and hunger that Gambhir has always championed.
