IND vs ENG 2025: KL Rahul and Shubman Gill Lead India Fightback with Gritty Partnership on Day 4
KL Rahul and Shubman Gill share unbeaten 174-run stand as India fight back after early collapse on Day 4 of Old Trafford Test.
India mounted a strong fightback on Day 4 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, thanks to an unbroken 174-run stand between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. After early trouble, the duo batted through two full wicketless sessions, ending the day at 174 for 2, trailing England by 137 runs.
England Post 669, Woakes Strikes Early
Earlier in the day, England were bowled out for 669, with Ben Stokes scoring a brilliant 141, his first Test century in over two years. Stokes also reached a rare milestone, becoming only the third cricketer to achieve the 7000-run and 200-wicket double in Tests.
Jasprit Bumrah gave India a bright start by removing Liam Dawson early. However, England added quick runs before Lunch, with Brydon Carse smashing 47 to push the lead.
Chris Woakes then jolted India just before the break, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the same over. He nearly had a hat-trick, but Gill survived and got off the mark.
Rahul, Gill Dig In as England Toil
From 0 for 2, Rahul and Gill showed immense patience and focus. They played out over 370 balls together, surviving tight spells from Jofra Archer, Woakes, Joe Root, and Dawson.
Gill, who was tested early by Woakes and struck on the glove by Archer, slowly found rhythm. He reached a fluent half-century before Tea and went on to build a strong stand with Rahul.
Rahul was steady as ever, reaching his own fifty in the final session. The pair brought up their 100-run partnership, mixing cautious defense with the occasional boundary.
Missed Chances and England’s Bowling Woes
England’s bowlers created chances but couldn’t capitalise. Gill was dropped by Dawson at gully, and Rahul survived a top-edged sweep. England also burned two reviews in frustration, as both spinners and pacers tried without success.
The absence of Ben Stokes from the bowling attack due to hamstring discomfort hurt England’s balance. Carse tried short-ball tactics, and Root and Dawson bowled in tandem in the final overs, but the Indian pair remained solid.
With one day to go and India still 137 runs behind, the match is delicately poised. A draw looks likely, but if England get early wickets on Day 5, a result could still be on the cards.
