Shubman Gill, the captain of the Indian cricket team, delivered a memorable and light-hearted response to his critics following India's historic 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston. This win marked India's first-ever Test triumph at the venue, leveling the five-match series 1-1. Gill's performance with the bat, scoring 269 in the first innings and 161 in the second, earned him the Player of the Match award.
The context of Gill's response stems from a pre-match press conference where a journalist questioned India's chances, citing their winless record at Edgbaston. India had not won a Test match in Birmingham in nine previous attempts. In the post-match press conference, with a mischievous grin, Gill scanned the room and asked, "I can't see my favourite journalist. Where is he?". The room erupted in laughter, as the jibe was well-received.
Gill followed up his quip with a more reflective statement, "I actually wanted to see him, but I even said before the Test match that I don't really believe in stats or histories". He emphasized that the current Indian team is the best to tour England and possesses the capability to win the series. "Over the last 56 years or so, we've played nine matches - different teams have come here," Gill said. "I believe we are the best team to have come here in England, and we have the capability to beat them, to win the series from here. If we keep making the right decisions and keep fighting, I think it would be one of the series to remember".
Gill's attitude reflects the team's confidence and focus on their present capabilities rather than dwelling on past records. He had said before the match that he doesn't believe in stats or history. He believes that the current Indian side is the best among all previous teams to come to England. Gill's response underscores the team's belief in their ability to overcome challenges and create their own history.
India's victory at Edgbaston was a comprehensive team effort. After losing the first Test in Leeds, despite scoring over 800 runs, the team bounced back strongly. Shubman Gill led from the front with a record-breaking performance, scoring a double century and a century in the same Test. The seam-duo of Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep also played a crucial role, accounting for 17 wickets between them. Akash Deep, who replaced Jasprit Bumrah in the lineup, finished with a 10-wicket match haul. Siraj also snared six wickets. Gill also praised Akash Deep's impressive bowling, who took 10 wickets.
Looking ahead, Gill confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah would be back for the third Test at Lord's. Gill expressed his excitement for the upcoming match at Lord's, calling it possibly the most iconic stadium in the world. "Very excited for that uh probably the most iconic cricket stadium in the world. and as a kid everyone dreams about playing there and I think no bigger honor than to be able to captain your country," said Gill. With the series leveled and momentum on their side, India will be aiming for a historic series win.
