Can KL Rahul and Shubman Gill Save India’s Test Match?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- KL Rahul scored an impressive 87 not out.
- Shubman Gill contributed significantly with 78 not out.
- The duo shared an unbroken partnership of 174 runs.
- India is currently trailing by 137 runs.
- They will need to maintain their composure on day five to secure a draw or a win.
Manchester, July 26 (NationPress) KL Rahul and Shubman Gill spearheaded India's resilient comeback with their impressive fifties, forming a formidable unbroken partnership of 174 runs from 361 balls, effectively staving off the challenge from England. By the end of day four of the fourth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test at Old Trafford, the visitors stood at 174/2 after 63 overs.
Despite still trailing by 137 runs, the prospect of a draw seems distant. However, with Rahul and Gill not out at 87 and 78 respectively, they have instilled hope in India and its supporters of salvaging the match, a situation that appeared quite bleak earlier.
After starting the second innings with a dismal score of 0/2 in just five balls, Gill faced a hat-trick ball under significant pressure. Yet, he and Rahul, both characterized by their calmness and mental fortitude, showcased their prowess by sailing through two consecutive wicketless sessions.
The final session commenced with both players adopting a cautious approach until Rahul struck his first boundary, guiding a delivery from Jofra Archer late through third man. This marked the arrival of his half-century.
Gill embraced a vintage batting style while Rahul skillfully navigated bouncers from Archer, capitalizing on short and wide balls for boundaries, with Gill also driving through cover for four.
Against Chris Woakes, Rahul cut between slip and gully for another four and followed it up with a wide ball cut through point. When spinners Liam Dawson and Joe Root were introduced, both players adeptly rotated the strike, culminating in a boundary before the day concluded, setting the stage for a thrilling day five of Test cricket.
Summary of Scores: India 358 and 174/2 in 63 overs (KL Rahul 87 not out, Shubman Gill 78 not out; Chris Woakes 2-48) trail England 669 in 157.1 overs (Joe Root 150, Ben Stokes 141; Ravindra Jadeja 4-143, Washington Sundar 2-107) by 137 runs.