After India's dramatic six-run victory in the fifth Test at The Oval, captain Shubman Gill attributed the tactical implementation of the team on the last day with a turnaround that helped ensure a 2-2 deadlock in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The clinching fifth day saw India send England's last four batsmen back for a mere 28 runs, securing one of their greatest Test wins. "Every Test we came on day four and day five never knowing who was going to win. It just shows that both the teams came with their A game and I am very happy to get over the line in this one," Gill told the post-match presentation.
With only 35 runs required by England and four wickets in hand at the beginning of the day, Gill told that putting relentless pressure was the priority to India's strategy. "There was a bit of pressure on us but I think the way we negotiated through that spell was magnificent for us.". Pressure forces you to do things you don't want to and we wanted them to experience it as they looked to pursue all those runs," he added.
The victory was driven by exceptional bowling performances from Mohammed Siraj, who claimed 5 for 104, and Prasidh Krishna, who claimed 4 for 126. Gill admitted their brilliance made his job as captain much easier.
"With bowlers like Siraj and Prasidh, being a captain is a cakewalk. They were talking the ball. He (Siraj) is a dream to captain, every ball, every spell he bowled he gave it his all for the side," he added.
Gill's leadership entry in the Test sphere couldn't have been more dramatic. He also received the India's Player of the Series award, a vote decided by England team coach Brendon McCullum, following his emergence as the leading run-scorer in the five Tests.
"2-2 is a good representation. It reflects how intense both sides were and how they played well. Extremely gratifying, my goal was to be the best batsman this series and reaching it is extremely satisfying. It is always a question of getting things technically and mentally right, they are interrelated. Takeaways from the past six weeks: We never give up," Gill concluded.
