The theatre of zigs and zags in the gripping Ranchi Test continued to the climactic end on Monday, where India’s new battalions of cricket gladiators finished England off the throne to extend the sovereignty on home ground again. In 5 wickets success, Rohit Sharma’s team garnered their 17th successive test series victory that topped the ladder by a 3-1 margin and etched an astonishing 3D milestone that will be remembered until doomsday.
After falling behind, India’s fightback was scripted by the young Dhruv Jurel, whose valiant 90 in the first innings resurrected them from the depths of 177/7. His cavalier counter-attack shifted gears, allowing the wizardly Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav to cast their spin spells then and skittle out England for a paltry 145, leaving a tricky 192-run target.
As the final act unfolded on Day 4, swashbuckling openers Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided fireworks upfront, plundering 84 runs off just 105 balls. England clawed back momentarily by removing the dangerous duo along with Rajat Patidar. But Shubman Gill’s calmness and Jurel’s continuation from the previous day denied the visitors any more inroads as the pair batted resolutely to guide India across the line.
The day, though, belonged to India’s multi-faceted spin force. Ashwin’s mastery reaped a five-for while Kuldeep breached the stubborn resistance of Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes just before tea to leave England gasping at 120/4. A sensational implosion followed as the last 6 wickets fell for just 25 runs.
As Indian fans savored another home series conquest, the spotlight shone brightly on the team’s remarkable bench strength, allowing them to repeatedly overcome adversities and continue their world-beating juggernaut on spinning tracks.
