Manchester, July 28 – India head coach Gautam Gambhir has lauded the character and resilience displayed by his team in the fourth Test against England, asserting that the current crop of players are not looking for inspiration from the past — they are determined to write their own chapter in cricketing history.
Responding to a question about whether India’s spirited fightback, led by Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, reminded him of his own iconic 137-run knock during the 2009 New Zealand Test series, Gambhir firmly shifted the focus to the present.
“I don’t remember any of my knocks — that’s history,” Gambhir told reporters on Sunday. “This team isn’t here to follow anyone. They are creating their own history. They want to fight for the common man back home.”
India were staring at a likely defeat after slumping to 0/2 in their second innings, chasing down a daunting 311-run deficit. But defiant centuries from Gill, Jadeja, and Sundar ensured the match ended in a hard-earned draw at Old Trafford, showcasing the team’s depth and determination under pressure.
Gambhir praised the character shown by the squad, especially in light of early criticism. “Many had written us off in this Test match. But this is the foundation of our team — individuals with the hunger to fight for the country. And they will continue to do that.”
With the fifth and final Test set to begin at The Oval in London on Thursday, Gambhir believes the dramatic turnaround in Manchester has handed India a psychological edge over the hosts.
“This kind of performance definitely gives you confidence,” he said. “When you're under the pump and manage to survive five sessions against quality opposition, it speaks volumes about your character.”
He added, “Moments like these build belief in the dressing room. Heading into The Oval, we’ll carry this momentum — but we know better than to take anything for granted.”
The series now heads to its decider, with both teams vying for supremacy in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. If India’s gritty stand in Manchester is any indication, they appear ready not just to compete — but to carve out a legacy of their own.
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