A 4 – 1 series win
India dominated England in the final Test at Dharamshala, securing a convincing win by an innings and 64 runs to wrap up the series with a 4-1 triumph. Throughout the three days of play, India displayed their superiority in all aspects of the game, outclassing England and confirming their well-deserved series victory.
The Test match began with England winning the toss and choosing to bat first, a decision that initially looked promising but quickly fell apart. While Zak Crawley scored 79 runs and Duckett added 27, the rest of the batting order, including Root and Bairstow who made it to the 20s, as well as Ben Foakes with 24, failed to make a significant impact.
This led to England finishing their first innings at 218 runs. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler for India, taking 5 wickets, with support from Ashwin’s four wickets and Jadeja’s one. In reply, India’s batsmen, led by centuries from Rohit Sharma (103) and Shubman Gill (110), laid a strong foundation. Contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal (57), debutant Devdutt Padikkal (65), and Sarfaraz Khan (56) helped India reach a total of 477 runs, setting a challenging lead of 259 runs. Despite Bashir’s five-wicket haul, England’s bowlers couldn’t contain the flow of runs, with Anderson reaching a personal milestone of 700 Test wickets.
England’s struggles continued in their second innings, with failures in the top order adding to their woes. Despite a fighting effort from Root and a brief resistance from Bashir, England fell short before the Tea break on Day 3, unable to overcome the deficit. India’s victory in Dharamshala not only marked a win but also served as a statement of their depth and skill across all aspects of the game. While England showed glimpses of potential, they will regret missed opportunities and the inability to capitalize on crucial moments. As India celebrates their hard-earned series win, the performances of key players from both teams will be remembered, but it’s India’s collective team effort that truly defined this series.
Ben Stokes | England Captain: “As the series concludes, I must admit there’s nothing left to hold back. We’ve had to face the fact that we were outplayed by what is, undeniably, the best team in the world. There are, however, many positives we can carry forward into the summer. With plenty of cricket ahead, there’s no room for concern. It’s those critical, small moments we let slip away, but such is the nature of playing at this level. Understanding how to maintain our game when India gains momentum is crucial; they know how to press their advantage. It’s about embracing the challenge, being willing to take calculated risks without feeling overwhelmed. Our focus should have been on better application on the field.”
Kuldeep Yadav | Player of the Match: “This recognition is a testament to the hard work I’ve put in over the last few years, and now, I’m reaping the rewards. My performance in Ranchi was particularly satisfying; despite the slow pitch, I managed to utilize the drift effectively. The wickets of Stokes in Ranchi and Crawley, with that exceptional delivery, were highlights for me. My approach is to concentrate on delivering a good length, which is crucial for a spinner in any format, without overly worrying about the batter’s intentions. I’m really pleased with my rhythm. A big shoutout to our batting coach, who has been instrumental not only in honing my skills but also in bolstering my mental game. His constant support during practice sessions has been invaluable.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal | Player of the Series: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the series and am really satisfied with my performance throughout. My mindset was clear—if there’s an opportunity to dominate a bowler, I’ll seize it without hesitation. My focus has been on taking each game as it comes while constantly looking for ways to contribute to the team’s success and maintaining our winning momentum.”
Rohit Sharma | Indian Captain “Winning a Test like this requires everything to click perfectly. We’re aware that players will leave and new ones will join, and though these new players might lack experience, they’ve played enough cricket to understand pressure situations. I’m proud to say they’ve responded admirably to the challenge. The whole team deserves credit for this achievement; it’s been a joy to witness. Winning a series of this caliber isn’t just about amassing runs or centuries; taking 20 wickets is crucial for victory. Seeing our bowlers step up and take responsibility was truly heartening. Over time, Kuldeep and I have had discussions acknowledging his potential. Despite the pressure in the first innings and his comeback post-injury, he bowled brilliantly. His dedication, especially seen in his batting, has been one of the most rewarding aspects to observe. As for Jaiswal, he’s just at the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey. His ability to pressure the bowlers right from the start is a rare talent. He’s up for the challenges ahead, embodying resilience and a passion for scoring big. This series has been a phenomenal showcase of his skills and mindset.”
