TimesofIndia.com in Birmingham: After leading India to a commanding 336-run win over England at Edgbaston, Shubman Gill on Sunday credited his bowlers for stepping up in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and dismissed personal milestones to highlight the team-first mentality that powered India to a series-levelling victory. Addressing the press after the match, Gill said: “Without Jasprit bhai, there were a lot of questions about whether we could do the job. But Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj bowled magnificently.” He added, “This is one of the best Indian teams to tour England. Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the world, but we believe we can take 20 wickets anywhere.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Gill, who made history by scoring 269 and 161 in the same match—the first player ever to post 250+ and 150+ in a single Test—downplayed personal accolades. “When you look at the scorecard, you don’t think about personal milestones,” he remarked, emphasising leadership through consistency and discipline. “Sometimes you need to lead by example. If a good ball gets me out, it’s okay, but I won’t throw it away.” India’s bowling was equally dominant. Siraj picked up a seven-wicket match haul, including six in the first innings, while Akash Deep stunned England with 10 wickets in the match, including 6/99 in the second innings. Akash’s performance was even more remarkable given the emotional weight he carried, playing while his sister battles cancer back home.
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Gill acknowledged the tactical challenges of the match, especially on a pitch that didn’t offer much early on. “When the ball becomes soft, the most important thing is to stop the runs. With the second new ball, wickets come easier.“I wanted to take risk when they were five down in the first innings with short stuff but leaked runs there.”With the five-match series now tied 1-1, the third Test at Lord’s promises high stakes. Bumrah is set to return, and India, galvanised by Gill’s leadership and the rise of Akash Deep, look increasingly dangerous in English conditions.
