In a Test match where India faced early setbacks, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul have risen to the occasion, displaying remarkable resilience and skill. During the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, the duo not only steadied the innings but also etched their names in cricketing history.
After India's disastrous start in their second innings, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks, Gill and Rahul anchored the innings with patient and determined batting. Facing a daunting lead of 311 runs set by England, the pair forged a formidable partnership.
Gill and Rahul's impressive 174-run partnership not only kept India's hopes alive but also broke a 48-year-old record. This is now the first time since 1977 that a pair has achieved this feat. They surpassed the previous record of 105 runs for the highest partnership starting from 0 for 2, set by Indian legends Mohinder Amarnath and Gundappa Vishwanath. The first pair to achieve this were England's Archie McLaren and Stanley Jackson against Australia at Lord's way back in 1902.
Beyond this record-breaking partnership, Gill and Rahul accomplished another rare feat. They became the first Indian pair since Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Sardesai in 1970-71 to each score over 500 runs in an away Test series. During India's tour of the West Indies, Gavaskar amassed 774 runs, while Sardesai contributed 642. In the current series, Gill has scored 697 runs, and Rahul has crossed the 500-run mark.
Rahul also joins an elite list, becoming only the second Asian opener after Gavaskar to score 500+ runs in a Test series in England. Furthermore, he is the first visiting opener to reach this milestone in England in the 21st century since Graeme Smith of South Africa, who scored 714 runs in 2003.
Throughout the innings, England employed various tactics, including short-ball strategies, to unsettle Gill and Rahul. However, both batsmen demonstrated remarkable composure and skill. Gill, the Indian captain, has also broken Virat Kohli's record for the most runs by an Indian captain in a Test series against England. He is also the Asian captain with the most runs in a Test series in England. Rahul has also become the second Indian opener after Sunil Gavaskar to face 2000 balls in Test matches in England.
As the fourth day concluded, Gill remained unbeaten on 78 off 167 balls, while Rahul was not out on 87 off 210 balls. India stood at 174 for two, still trailing England by 137 runs. The performance of Gill and Rahul has instilled hope in the Indian camp and fans, setting the stage for a thrilling final day.
