Rohit Sharma orchestrated India’s emphatic five-wicket triumph over England in the fourth Test at Ranchi, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series and handing Ben Stokes his inaugural series defeat as England’s Test captain. This victory extended India’s remarkable streak of 17 consecutive Test series wins at home, marking their first loss in a home Test series 12 years ago.
Despite the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and KL Rahul, the Indian team displayed resilience and determination, relying on a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents to clinch the series. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the leading run-scorer in the series, continued his splendid form with scores of 73 and 37 in Ranchi, equalling Kohli’s record for the most runs in a Test series against England (655) and breaking Virender Sehwag’s 16-year-old six-hitting record.
Dhruv Jurel played a pivotal role, crafting a crucial knock of 90 in India’s first innings, steering them out of precarious situations and influencing the game’s outcome. His unbeaten 39 in the final innings played a crucial role in guiding India to victory. Debutant Akash Deep made an impact on Day 1, claiming three wickets and setting the tone for India’s dominance.
The contributions weren’t confined to the youngsters, as senior players Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin delivered crucial performances.
Ashwin, in particular, etched his name in history by becoming India’s leading Test wicket-taker, surpassing the legendary Anil Kumble. His five-wicket haul in the second innings propelled him to six wickets in the match.
In summary, India’s victory in Ranchi was a testament to the team’s depth, with both seasoned campaigners and emerging talents playing integral roles. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, coupled with stellar performances from Jaiswal, Jurel, Akash Deep, Rohit, and Ashwin, highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges.