KL Rahul and Shubman Gill Lead India’s Fightback in Manchester Test
Resilient Partnership on Day Four
In Manchester, on July 27, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised KL Rahul and Shubman Gill for their impressive unbeaten partnership of 174 runs during the fourth day of the Test match. He commended their ability to remain composed and bat with discipline, especially after India found themselves in a precarious position at 0/2, trailing by 311 runs from the first innings. Manjrekar expressed concerns about the challenges that lie ahead for the duo on the final day, noting that he is 'not too hopeful' beyond this partnership.
Despite the dire situation, Gill and Rahul showcased a classic style of Test cricket, maintaining their wicket and scoring steadily. As they head into the last day, the responsibility falls on them to help India recover from the deficit and salvage the series.
Manjrekar's Insights on Batting Strategy
During a discussion on 'Match Centre Live', Manjrekar highlighted the IPL experience of both players, suggesting they could have easily attacked the spin-bowling all-rounder Liam Dawson. However, he admired their decision to exercise restraint and focus on survival. He noted, 'I was curious if they had the mental strength, particularly KL Rahul, who has been scoring consistently. Yet, he managed to show remarkable patience and bat for time. Regardless of the outcome, their approach is commendable.'
Manjrekar pointed out that Shubman Gill's strike rate dropped significantly from 67 before tea to 29 afterward, illustrating their commitment to the situation.
Gill's Mental Fortitude
Former England player Jonathan Trott also commented on Gill's performance, noting his ability to start aggressively before shifting to a more defensive strategy in the final session. Trott remarked on Gill's 'serious mental strength,' emphasizing his capability to adapt his game according to the match situation. He added, 'After the chaotic first over, Gill focused on batting time and ensuring his team had a chance to save the match.'
Challenges Awaiting India on Final Day
Manjrekar outlined two critical phases for India on the final day. The first 30 minutes will be crucial as both established batters aim to regain their rhythm, especially with the new ball becoming available after 17 overs. He concluded, 'This partnership must deliver for India. Beyond them, I have little hope.'
Earlier in the match, India faced a tough challenge after England scored a massive 669 in their first innings, leaving India with a daunting task. The Indian innings began poorly, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan dismissed for ducks. However, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill steadied the innings with their remarkable partnership. By the end of Day 4, India had reached 174/2, still trailing by 137 runs. If they can manage to save the match on the final day, it would be a significant achievement.