London: As the fifth and final Test match approaches at The Oval, Team India finds itself in a gripping position — not just on the field, but also mentally. With the series hanging at 2-1 in England’s favour, India will aim to level the series and end the tour on a high.
A recent video shared by the BCCI on Instagram captured head coach Gautam Gambhir delivering a poignant message to the squad: “There are two ways of looking at this tour. Either we take it as a rare chance to do something historic for the country, or we look at it as a setback with three key players missing.”
India’s campaign has been nothing short of dramatic. After losing the series opener in Leeds — despite centuries by Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant — the team bounced back in Birmingham. Gill’s sensational double century and follow-up hundred powered a 336-run victory.
However, England responded strongly in the third Test, clinching a 22-run win courtesy of Joe Root’s hundred and Ben Stokes’ fierce bowling. The fourth Test saw India claw their way back, thanks to unbeaten tons from Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, sealing a dramatic draw when a loss seemed inevitable.
As the Oval Test looms, the narrative is set: resilience versus dominance. One final push could turn the tide — and the tale — of this unforgettable tour.
