India England cricket test series has ended in a 2-2 draw. The honours are even.
It would be a hollow claim to say that this draw tasted as sweet as a victory. But it has indeed been a point of reference.
It is a watershed in the country’s cricketing history. By no chalk of imagination, Indian test cricket team is flawless.
But it has forged itself and identity in spine and steel. The capacity of these men in white to bite the bullet has surfaced.
The icing on the cake is an attitude to never surrender. But doubts lingered when the Indian team boarded the flight to Heathrow.
That was 50 days ago. Gill’s captaincy was untested.
The batting was callow. The bowling group had injuries and rugged edges.
The stalwarts has retired. Moreover, India has lost six of the last eight games.
But in the course of the English summer, the team has cleared most of the hurdles Gill has displayed the wisdom, poise and grit to lead the side.
As the captain led by example with his bat, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and YashwantJaisawal backed him up.
Mohammad Siraj with his unshakeable grit and unflinching energy showed that there is life beyond JaspritBoomrah in the seam bowling department.
The portrait is incomplete. But this is the way by which great teams are forged.
It may take months or years. But it is not done without fumbles and stumbles.
But the journey will be fascinating and at times frustrating. But it is certain that the Gill age has come to stay.
