India’s captain Shubman Gill said the team’s thrilling six-run win against England in the fifth and final Test at The Oval happened because they believed even a small chance could help them win. India bowled out England for 367 while defending a target of 374 runs, which helped them draw the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2.
On the last day, things looked difficult for India. England batters Joe Root and Harry Brook were playing brilliantly and both scored centuries. But fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna turned the game around. Siraj took five wickets for 104 runs and gave India the breakthrough they needed. Prasidh also picked up key wickets to help India end the series with a win.
Gill said the match showed what the team stands for. “This morning showed our spirit. England needed only around 70 runs and had seven wickets left. Brook and Root were playing so well that most teams would have given up hope. But we believed that if we get one chance, we can grab it and change the game,” he said.
“When Brook got out and we dismissed Bethell early, we felt that was our chance. We told each other to keep the pressure on. One more wicket, and anything could happen. Even with 50–70 runs left, the batting team can feel the heat in such situations.”
Gill also praised Siraj and Krishna for their efforts. He said their bowling made things easy for him as a captain. “With someone like Siraj bowling that well, I didn’t need to do much. I could just enjoy his bowling,” he added.
Gill also explained why he didn’t take the second new ball. “We had the option, but the way Siraj and Prasidh were bowling, we didn’t feel the need. Even with an old ball, they were dangerous. Also, we knew the pressure was more on England’s batters. All it takes is one good ball in that situation. We felt the longer we waited, the better our chances to take wickets.”
He spoke about how this win reminded him of the ups and downs of cricket and life. “Moments like this morning make all the hard work feel worth it. Sports have many highs and lows, and that’s normal. Every time I go to bat, I want to score big runs. But that’s not always possible. You have to learn to deal with both success and failure.”
Gill said he tries to stay calm whether he does well or not. “Win or lose, good performance or not, I try to stay balanced. It’s not easy, but that’s the goal. I’m still learning, but I think I’m on the right path,” he said.
India’s win in the final Test was not just a result of good bowling or captaincy. It showed the belief, patience, and mental strength of the whole team.