Will Rahul and Gill Regroup and Find Their Rhythm on Day 5?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- KL Rahul and Shubman Gill need to regroup after early dismissals.
- They have formed a critical partnership to reduce England's lead.
- The second new ball poses a significant threat for their innings.
- Manjrekar praises their ability to bat under pressure.
- Physical and mental fitness are crucial in Test cricket.
New Delhi, July 27 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar opines that overnight batsmen KL Rahul and skipper Shubman Gill will need to regroup and regain their rhythm when they step onto the crease on the fifth day at Old Trafford.
Following the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan without scoring a single run in their second innings, Rahul and Gill displayed commendable maturity and bravery to avert a potential batting collapse on Saturday. The pair constructed a crucial 174-run partnership before the day’s end, effectively narrowing England's lead to 137 runs.
Rahul ended the day unbeaten on 87, while Gill remained not out at 78, facing the critical task of guiding India towards a draw.
“There are two pivotal phases today. The first is the initial 30 minutes of play - even established batters must regroup and find their rhythm after an overnight break. Both KL Rahul and Shubman Gill have the capability to achieve this, but it will be a challenge,” Manjrekar remarked on JioHotstar.
The seasoned player noted that the duo would face a significant challenge from the second new ball, which is just 17 overs away for the bowling team.
“The second critical moment arrives when the second new ball becomes available after 17 overs. That will be a substantial challenge. I still believe this partnership must perform for India. Beyond this duo, I wouldn’t hold high hopes,” Manjrekar explained.
He praised Gill and Rahul for their temperament and adaptability under pressure. “Let’s remember - these are IPL stars, T20 specialists. On any given day, if they needed to hit three sixes off someone like Liam Dawson, both are capable of doing so. Yet, to temper that instinct and instead bat with such restraint is something I’ve greatly admired throughout this series.
“I did wonder if they possessed the mental resilience for it, especially KL Rahul, who has consistently scored runs. Nevertheless, he has found the determination to bat for time. It’s been remarkable.
“Regardless of the Day 5 result, my admiration goes to the approach these young Indian batters have exhibited. For instance, Shubman Gill had a strike rate of 67 before tea, which fell to 29 post-tea. That tells an important story. Whatever the outcome, India should take pride in this,” he stated.
Former England batter Jonathan Trott emphasized the physical and mental endurance displayed by Gill after a demanding day in the field.
“That’s where fitness - both physical and mental - plays a crucial role, not just in T20s but especially in Test cricket. Gill scored around 50 before tea and then managed just 28-29 in the subsequent session - that highlights serious mental strength. He can score quickly when required, but more importantly, he has the mindset to bat for time and address the situation properly.
“When he returned for the second innings - amid the chaos of that first over - we witnessed Shubman Gill, the batter. Perhaps that moment allowed him to clear his mind. He recognized he had to bat for time and focus solely on positioning his team to save this match,” he added.