India’s veteran batter KL Rahul was delighted after they registered a thrilling six-run win against England at the Kennington Oval to draw the Anderson-Tendulkar series 2-2. India had only 35 runs in the bank to play with on the final day of the Test match however, they were able to get the remaining four wickets.
Mohammed Siraj was the star of the show for the tourists, returning with figures of 5-104. Siraj accounted for Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson, whereas Prasidh Krishna clean bowled Josh Tongue.
India was down and out but the visitors kept believing, and the bowling unit was able to execute their plans in overcast conditions on the final day of the series.
Rahul said the drawn series and the win at the Oval will rank right up there at the top in India’s Test cricket folklore.
Asked by former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik after the match ended what this win meant, Rahul said on Sky Sports: “Win means absolutely everything. I’ve played cricket for years. Won Champions Trophy, seen the team lift the World Cup — of course, nothing compares to winning World Cup.”
The Indian opener added that there were questions on tourists’ performances but they were able to prove their mettle while playing away.
“But there were so many questions about whether Test cricket stays or not, but both (teams) answered that question here with the way we’ve played. India weren’t given a chance but we’ve fought in every game and to get 2-2, might be a draw, but for Indian Test cricket, this will rank right at the top. This is where change begins. Indian Test team will win a lot many things and more series,” said Rahul who scored 532 runs in the series at an average of 53.20.
The flamboyant batter lauded Shubman Gill for leading from the front. Gill amassed 754 runs in the five-match series at an average of 75.4.
“Not having Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin hit me two weeks in. Everyone was coming to me to ask about English conditions. Then it hit me I’ve stepped into a different role now. Shubman Gill’s been phenomenal, led from the front. He’s formed connections, he’s done that. Tactically good, changes have gotten us wickets. He’ll go on to become a good Test captain,” added Rahul.
Rahul also delivered at the top of the order as he aggregated 532 runs in the series.
