India Pull Off Epic Draw at Old Trafford as Gill, Jadeja & Sundar Century

• by Aarav Chatterjee
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When Shubman Gill, captain of Indian cricket team smashed a fourth‑series century on Day 5 of the 4th Test of the Anderson‑Tendulkar TrophyEmirates Old Trafford, Manchester, the drama hit a fever pitch. The match, played on July 27, 2025, ended in a historic draw after India erased a 311‑run deficit, thanks to centuries from two all‑rounders as well. England still leads the five‑match series 2‑1, but the scoreboard couldn’t capture the sheer will on display.

Why This Draw Matters

The situation looked bleak early on Day 4 when England declared at 282/5, setting a target of 594. India stumbled to 0/2, losing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan for ducks in the very first over. Most pundits wrote off any chance of survival. Yet, the partnership that followed between Gill and vice‑captain KL Rahul, vice‑captain of Indian cricket team rewrote the script. Their 417‑ball stand spanned over two days, producing 127 runs for Gill and 90 for Rahul – a first‑wicket stand never seen after a 0/2 collapse.

Centuries in the Face of Defeat

When Gill and Rahul finally fell, the innings seemed destined for a quick end. Instead, another pair stood up. All‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja, famed for his left‑arm spin, added 103 runs, while his fellow spinner Washington Sundar hit 105. Their centuries weren’t just personal milestones; they were the final bricks in a wall that let India bat through the last session and finish at 322/4, still 11 runs short but alive.

Stokes’ Unusual Offer

In a moment that still sparks debate, England captain Ben Stokes, who also earned the Player of the Match award for 141 runs and six wickets, walked into the Indian dressing room and offered a draw. The Indians politely declined, eager to let Jadeja and Sundar reach three figures. “We wanted to finish on our terms,” a team spokesperson said, highlighting the competitive spirit that still burned despite the series deficit.

How the Match Fits Into the Series

The Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy, named after James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar, began in 2023. England had already taken two wins at Lord’s and Trent Bridge, while India snagged a win at Edgbaston. This draw keeps the series alive, setting up a decisive Test at The Oval from August 1‑5. If India pulls off another win, the series ends 2‑2, forcing a shared trophy; England need only a draw to retain.

Expert Take on the Historic Comeback

Cricket analyst Vikram Deshpande of the ICC noted, “What we witnessed is the third instance in Test history of a side batting out the final day after following on, and the first with a chase above 500.” Former player Sir Alec Stewart added, “The mental strength to chase that kind of total after a 311‑run first‑innings deficit is extraordinary – it redefines resilience in Test cricket.”

What’s Next for Both Teams?

England will head to The Oval with a 2‑1 lead, hoping to lock in the trophy. Their squad remains largely unchanged, but coach Brendon McCullum may tweak the batting order to counter India’s spin attack. India, meanwhile, faces a massive challenge. Coach Rahul Dravid – in what is expected to be his final series – will likely lean on his spinners and the experience of senior batsmen like Jadeja to navigate the pressure.

• Key Fact: India became only the third team ever to save a Test after following on.
• England’s Ben Stokes contributed 141 runs and 6 wickets across both innings.
• Shubman Gill’s fourth century of the series came at 127 runs off 245 balls.
• Both Jadeja and Sundar reached personal centuries in the same innings – a rare occurrence.
• The next Test begins on August 1 at The Oval, London.