Overview:
However, with a positive result in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Gambhir’s critics will take a back seat for some time.
Gautam Gambhir was seen laughing after India drew the five-match Test series against England. The 6-run win in the fifth and final Test showed the toughness and mental strength of the visiting team, with head coach Gambhir calling the shots.
He has been under pressure in Test cricket as the results have eluded the Indian National Cricket Team, with former players like Harbhajan Singh advocating for different coaches for different formats.
However, with a positive result in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Gambhir’s critics will take a back seat for some time. The defeats against New Zealand at home and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia have put Gautam on the edge, but the team finally gave relief to their coach.
Mohammed Siraj was the hero of the Oval, with the senior pacer taking nine wickets in the match and deservingly got the Player of the Match medal. Prasidh Krishna picked up eight wickets in the contest and was Siraj’s trusted partner. The Indian pacers dismantled the English batting line-up after hundreds by Harry Brook and Joe Root.
Following the win, Gambhir took to social media to hail the team.
“We’ll win some, we’ll lose some…. but we’ll NEVER surrender! Well done, boys!”
Under Gambhir’s reign, India have won just one Test series. The sub-continent team defeated Bangladesh last year.
New Zealand won 3-0 in India, while Australia registered a victory by a margin of 3-1. In England, the visiting team lost the series opener by five wickets but returned to winning ways in the second Test, registering a 336-run win.
India fell short by 22 runs at Lord’s and managed to draw the next game in Manchester, with captain Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar refusing to give up.
The Oval saw India at its best, and the team emerged victorious.
Former India coach Sanjay Bangar spoke about the outcome at the Oval and what it means for Gambhir.
“This is one of the special moments. This is a very important win for Gautam Gambhir as well.”