Manchester, July 22:Skipper Shubman Gill and the ever-reliable KL Rahul reignited India’s hopes in the fourth Test with gritty half-centuries after Ben Stokes’ majestic century had cemented England’s dominance. Trailing by a massive 311 runs in the second innings and having lost openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks, India found solid ground through a resolute 174-run unbeaten stand between Gill (78* off 167) and Rahul (87* off 210).
At stumps on Day 4, India were 174/2, still trailing by 137 runs, but the fightback had breathed life into their chances after two disciplined wicketless sessions.
In doing so, Gill and Rahul rewrote history, setting the highest-ever partnership for a team reduced to 0 for 2 in Test cricket. Their stand surpassed the previous best of 105 between Mohinder Amarnath and Gundappa Vishwanath, a record that had stood for 48 years.
Earlier in the day, England posted a mammoth 669, thanks to Ben Stokes’ masterful 141 off 198 deliveries, building on his five-wicket haul from Day 3. His all-around brilliance left India in dire straits before the counterattack from the experienced Indian duo.
Both Gill and Rahul were tested thoroughly by England’s pace attack, especially Jofra Archer, who consistently targeted Gill’s pads with inswingers. Despite early trouble, Gill weathered the storm and went on to craft a determined half-century in the post-lunch session, eventually taking control with elegant drives and back-foot punches.
KL Rahul, meanwhile, remained rock solid, showing no signs of weakness throughout his innings. His crisp square cuts and back-foot shots evoked comparisons with the likes of Gordon Greenidge and Virender Sehwag, known for their dominance in that region of the field.
England rotated strategies in the final session, even deploying a barrage of short deliveries, but the Indian pair remained composed. While Liam Dawson was expected to exploit the conditions, Gill and Rahul were cautious yet confident, choosing not to take undue risks.
Though England’s bowlers generated some swing and seam movement under overcast skies, batting conditions improved late in the day as the sun finally broke through at Old Trafford.
The pitch has remained slow and dry throughout the season, with no county games at this venue ending in results so far. India will surely take note of that as they look to push the game into Day 5 and potentially salvage a draw or script a dramatic turnaround.
With one day remaining and a lot still to play for, India’s hopes now hinge on the continuation of this record-breaking stand.