'Not having Rohit, Virat, Ashwin hit me': KL Rahul on the significance of The Oval Test heroics

Team India delivered a clutch performance on Day 5 of the Oval Test to secure a 6-run victory. With the win, India drew level with England, and ended the pulsating campaign in England with a justified scoreline of 2-2.

Mohammed Siraj emerged as a live wire for India on Day 5. The pacer did not miss his mark and sought wickets from the word go. He troubled the England batters from the outset and reaped success by relentlessly putting them in a spot of bother. Prasidh Krishna also laid out a helping hand by snaring one dismissal. All this resulted in India’s dramatic win.

KL Rahul expresses the joy of winning a Test match

Following the culmination of the match, KL Rahul, who has had an outstanding series with the bat, notching over 500 runs in five tests, expressed his thoughts on India's incredible win at The Oval. Rahul sees the victory at one of the greatest ever in the thick history of Team India. He also stated that, while winning the tournaments has a different feel all together, the joy of conquering a Test leaves a distinguished vibe.

“Win means absolutely everything. I’ve played cricket for years. Won Champions Trophy, seen the team lift the world cup. Nothing compares to that. But so many questions about whether Test cricket stays or not, but both answered that question here with the way we’ve played. We weren’t given a chance but we’ve fought in every game and get 2-2, might be a draw, but for Indian Test cricket, this will rank right at the top and this is where change begins. Indian Test team will win a lot many things and more series. Not having, Rohit, Virat, Ashwin hit me two weeks in.”

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Since the series transpired in the wake of a massive transition in Indian cricket, Gill showered praise on Shubman Gill, who led the team from the front, and expressed optimism about him turning into a “good captain”.

“Everyone was coming to me to ask about English conditions. Then it hit me I’ve stepped into a different role now. Gill’s been phenomenal, led from the front. He’s formed connections, he’s done that. Tactically good, changes have gotten us wickets. He’ll go on to become a good Test captain.”