ENG vs IND: KL Rahul terms series-levelling Oval Test win as a new dawn for Indian cricket

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Team India produced one of the most thrilling comebacks in Test history, defeating England by just six runs in a tense finale at The Oval. The victory allowed Shubman Gill‘s young side to draw the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 2-2, a result that felt far greater than just a share of the spoils given the criticism and doubts the team faced at the start of the series.

Reflecting on the achievement, KL Rahul underlined the significance of the result for Indian cricket. He explained that while a 2-2 scoreline might look like a stalemate on paper, for the players it represented resilience and growth. Rahul highlighted how this draw feels more like a landmark win, especially because India showed the ability to bounce back under pressure in foreign conditions.

“For us, as a team that wasn’t given a chance in this series, for us to fight back and to fight in every game and to get a result which is 2-2 might seem like a draw, but for us and for Indian Test cricket going in the future, I think this will rank right at the top,” said Rahul while speaking to broadcaster after India’s win.

Rahul reckoned that this result could spark a new era for Indian Test cricket. By battling England on their home turf and emerging with their heads held high, the team has proven it can compete and succeed anywhere.

“And this is where the change begins and the Indian Test team will go on to create many things and win many more series outside of India,” added Rahul, pointing to how this fighting spirit will only push India to win more series overseas.

Also WATCH: ENG vs IND – Gautam Gambhir’s rare animated celebration after India’s dramatic win in Oval Test

In addition to praising his team, Rahul addressed the larger conversation around the relevance of Test cricket. Having experienced major white-ball triumphs like the Champions Trophy and the World Cup, Rahul admitted nothing quite compares to the drama of this format. He stressed that the intensity and quality of the England-India series itself was proof of why the format still matters.

“I’ve played cricket for a while. I have won the Champions Trophy. I’ve seen India lifting the World Cup. I mean, nothing compares with lifting the World Cup, but so many doubts, so many questions from everybody about whether Test cricket would stay or not… I think both the teams with the way we’ve played in this series, I think we’ve answered that question,” Rahul explained, implying that such riveting contests will keep the longest format alive and thriving.

Also WATCH: ENG vs IND – Sunil Gavaskar dances with joy and sings ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti’ after India secures historic win in Oval Test