India pulled off a dramatic draw in the 4th Test at Manchester against England, thanks to extraordinary resistance from KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, followed by an unbroken partnership and gutsy batting from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Despite England's dominance for much of the match, posting 669 (with centuries from Ben Stokes and Joe Root) and taking a massive 311-run first-innings lead, they couldn't break India's spirit or defenses over the final two days.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was among those who praised the team’s resilience. Speaking after the match, he highlighted the contrast between England’s aggressive rhetoric earlier in the series—when they claimed they could chase any target—and their ultra-defensive tactics in Manchester. England’s declaration and lack of attacking intent, Gavaskar noted, were ironic given their bold talk throughout the summer.
He suggested that Indian players like Shubman Gill could even question Ben Stokes about the contradiction between their words and actions, but added that India had let their bats do the talking.
India’s second innings got off to a nervy start, but KL Rahul and Shubman Gill steadied the ship with a marathon partnership that occupied most of Day 4. Their application, judgment, and refusal to chase wide deliveries wore down the English attack and frustrated the hosts. Both batters showed exceptional temperament, slowly turning the tide in India’s favour by neutralising England’s early momentum.
Despite the pressure and high stakes, Rahul and Gill’s stand set the foundation for what was to come. Their ability to see off England’s main threats gave India the belief that they could save the match.
As Day 5 dawned, England hoped for early breakthroughs, but India had other plans. After the dismissals of Rahul and Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar took charge. The pair not only survived but thrived under pressure, each scoring resilient unbeaten centuries in a partnership that spanned multiple sessions and defied every tactic thrown at them.
Despite field changes, short-ball barrages, and spin trials, England’s bowlers, hampered by Stokes' injury and evident fatigue, struggled to break through. The final scoreboard read 425/4, with India firmly denying England a result that once seemed inevitable.
While not a win on paper, the draw has been celebrated as a moral victory for India, especially given the context. Down 0–2 in the five-match series and staring at a third defeat, India showed immense character and composure when it mattered most.