Gautam Gambhir Praises Indian Team's Spirit Ahead of Final Test Against England

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, expressed pride in the team's performance during their challenging tour of England. Speaking at a reception in London, he thanked fans for their support and emphasized the significance of the upcoming final Test at The Oval. With the series currently at 2-1 in favor of England, Gambhir highlighted the team's fighting spirit and the thrilling cricket displayed over the past weeks. The event also featured remarks from India's High Commissioner to the UK and the ECB's chief executive, celebrating the collaboration between India and England in sports. As the team prepares for the decisive match, players like Shubman Gill reflect on their hard work and determination throughout the series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2025, 10:37 IST

Gautam Gambhir's Reflections on the England Tour

India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, acknowledged the challenges of touring England but emphasized that the ongoing series has made every cricket enthusiast proud. Speaking at an event at India House, he expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans throughout the series, which included a thrilling draw in the fourth Test held in Manchester.

Gambhir remarked, "Visiting this region has always posed challenges due to the historical context between our nations, which remains significant." He further noted, "The support we receive during our UK tours is something we deeply value and never take for granted."

He highlighted the excitement of the past five weeks, stating, "The cricket displayed has been exhilarating, and I believe it has made every cricket lover proud."

The Indian cricket team was warmly welcomed by community leaders, parliamentarians, and fans at a reception hosted by the High Commission of India in London, as they prepare for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday.

Gambhir stressed the importance of this final match, which India must win to equalize the series currently at 2-1 in favor of England. He stated, "Both teams have fought hard, and we have one last opportunity to make our country proud."

The players received enthusiastic cheers from the crowd as highlights from their recent matches were showcased.

Vikram Doraiswami, India's High Commissioner to the UK, praised the team's fighting spirit, reflecting the resilience of the nation. He said, "This series has been remarkable, played in great spirit, showcasing Test cricket as it should be—intense contests lasting five days."

Doraiswami added, "The skills and determination displayed by Team India represent the new India we are proud to represent here."

He concluded with a message of pride for the team, regardless of the final Test's outcome, stating, "We couldn't be prouder of who you are and what you represent."

Richard Gould, the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), mentioned the recent India-UK Free Trade Agreement as a sign of the growing collaboration between the two countries, including in sports. He noted, "Every Test match in this series has gone deep into the fifth day, making it one of the most memorable series in recent times."

The diaspora event wrapped up with a conversation moderated by commentator and former head coach Ravi Shastri, featuring players like captain Shubman Gill. Gill reflected on his performance, stating, "I felt I hadn’t shown my best before the series, and I worked hard to prove myself, having scored over 700 runs so far." He acknowledged the intensity of the matches played.