India secured another series win against India by winning the fourth Test in Ranchi by five wickets. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill scored half-centuries and a 39 run innings from Dhruv Jurel made sure India reach the target relatively unharmed after England got back in the game by picking up three quick wickets. Shoaib Bashir threatened with his wonderful array of arm ball during the first session on day 4. But Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel showed maturity to guide India to an easy victory in the end.
Team Lineups
The Indian camp decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah for this test match after his recent workload in international cricket. The 30 year old pacer from Gujarat is nothing less than sensational as he tore teams apart with his magnificent swing bowling. In his place, Akash Deep made his international debut for the Indian Test side. The 27 year old pace bowler from Bihar has impressed with his bowling on the domestic circuit and the Indian selectors decided to put him in the Indian eleven.
Virat Kohli was still away from the team as he was spending time with his newborn daughter. KL Rahul’s absence extended after suffering another injury setback in his quadriceps. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel – the two debutants from the last game kept their places in an inexperienced middle order. Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin completed a strong spin trio with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj chosen as the pacers. The double centurion in consecutive Tests Yashasvi Jaiswal would open the batting for India with Rohit Sharma as his partner.
England made two changes to their team which was humbled by England in the third Test match in Vizag. Mark Wood was dropped to the bench for this encounter. In his place, Ollie Robinson was given a go in the first team. The 30 year old pacer from Sussex last played for the Test side in last year’s Ashes.
Joe Root has been uncharacteristically meek with the bat for England in this series. James Anderson is also having a poor series so far. Shoaib Bashir also made a comeback to the team after sitting out the last Test match. Rehan Ahmed has shown glimpses of his talent in this series. But the 19 year old had to fly back home and will not be available for selection for the final Test match. Rehan was sent back home due to personal reasons. Young Somerset spinner Bashir has played well in his debut after the visa debacle that saw him miss the opening Test match of the series.
India faced a unique challenge in their Test series against England – a long list of absentees among their seasoned players. Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami missed the entire series, while KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin were forced out at different points due to injuries or personal reasons. Even their ace fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was rested for the fourth Test.
Despite these significant gaps, India’s young guns rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. Their victories in all three Tests against England were not just wins, they were history-making feats. All three triumphs rank among the top six instances in Test history where a team has won with a significant experience disadvantage compared to their opponent, based on the total number of Test caps held by each side.
This remarkable achievement exemplifies the depth and talent brimming within India’s upcoming generation of cricketers. They not only filled the void left by the experienced players but also surpassed expectations by etching their names in the history books. Their performances serve as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence within the Indian cricketing ecosystem, where talent is nurtured and groomed to flourish at the highest level, regardless of the challenges presented.
England
1. Zak Crawley 2. Ben Duckett 3. Ollie Pope 4. Joe Root 5. Jonny Bairstow 6. Ben Stokes (Cap.) 7. Ben Foakes (WK) 8. Tom Hartley 9. Ollie Robinson 10. Shoaib Bashir 11. James Anderson
India
1. Rohit Sharma (Cap.) 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal 3. Shubman Gill 4. Rajat Patidar 5. Ravindra Jadeja 6. Sarfaraz Khan 7. Dhruv Jurel 8. Ravichandran Ashwin 9. Mohammed Siraj 10. Akash Deep 11. Kuldeep Yadav
English captain Ben Stokes won the toss for the second time in the series and chose to bat first. The Ranchi surface is made from black soil and looks to be on the slower side. This ground is located in a relatively cooler area compared to the previous three venues, so the moisture in the air would keep the cracks together for a longer period of time. The pitch is made in the mould of a stereotypical sub-continent wicket as it is conducive to batting early on. Eventually, the pitch would crack under dry heat and assist the spin bowlers later on.
The pitch seemed to be breaking from day two. The batsmen were having a tough time out in the middle with some of the deliveries keeping lower than expected. The spinner would receive more assistance from the pitch as it deteriorated on days three and four. The third day pitch assisted the spin bowlers with providing enough turn and grip. The roster of Indian spinners was able to make the most of this pitch. The turn and bounce of this surface made batting an arduous task for the visitors.
Fixture
The JSCA stadium in Ranchi has previously seen two Test matches played at this ground. India has won one and drawn the other. The first Test match at this ground was played in 2017, India drew that game against a strong Australian side. In the last Test match held at this ground, India provided a battering to the visiting South African team. The Proteas were comprehensively beaten by an innings and 202 runs. The average first innings score at this ground is 474, a clear indication that this surface is fantastic for batting. On both occasions, the toss winning captain chose to bat first.
India and England have met on 134 occasions prior to this Test match. The visitors have the upper hand with 51 wins. The other 50 Test matches ended in a draw. India has emerged victorious on 33 occasions. In Tests in India, the hosts have won 24 games. Two of England’s 15 Test wins came in 2012, the last time a visiting side had toppled the Indians in their own backyard in a series. The first Test match in India’s history was played against England at Lord’s in June. 1932. India is leading the Test match by 2-1 after losing the first Test match in Hyderabad.
| Venue | The second day of the fourth Test match between India and England was played at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association in Ranchi, Jharkhand. |
| Date | The game started on Monday February 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
Despite missing a constellation of star players, India has shown remarkable resilience in the ongoing Test series against England. The absence of Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja, coupled with the strategic rest of Jasprit Bumrah, could have easily derailed the team. However, India has not only weathered the storm but also displayed a fighting spirit that bodes well for the future.
This unexpected strength can be attributed to several factors, with the emergence of young talent playing a pivotal role. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfraz Khan have impressed with their batting prowess, showcasing the depth of India’s batting pool. Shubman Gill, already a talented player, is maturing with each innings, and the additional responsibility seems to be bringing out the best in him.
The experienced spin duo of R Ashwin and Jadeja has been the backbone of India’s bowling attack for years. However, the rediscovery of Kuldeep Yadav as a reliable wicket-taking option has added another dimension to the bowling attack. This depth and variety provide India with a potent bowling unit capable of adapting to different conditions.
While the batting and spin bowling have seen exciting developments, a crucial question mark remained over India’s pace attack in the absence of their established trio. However, young debutant Akash Deep stepped up to the challenge, showcasing his skills with skiddy fast bowling and offering a glimpse of a promising future for Indian pace bowling.
Amidst this period of significant personnel changes and the initial setback of losing the first Test, the leadership of Rohit Sharma has often been overlooked. In stark contrast to the aggressive and outspoken style of Ben Stokes, Rohit’s leadership is defined by quiet efficiency and a calm demeanor. His resilience in handling the personnel changes and the challenging situation after the first Test loss is a testament to his strong character.
Furthermore, Rohit’s leadership extends beyond mere resilience. He has demonstrated exceptional captaincy skills by effectively guiding a fluid Indian line-up through uncharted territory. His ability to remain composed and unwavering in the face of adversity has been instrumental in preventing the team from faltering. Rohit’s tactical nous is also evident in his masterstroke of deploying Kuldeep Yadav during the third Test, which proved to be a turning point in the match.
The success of Rohit’s leadership goes beyond technical expertise and tactical brilliance. His ability to inspire his team and instill confidence in every player, especially the newcomers, has been crucial. He has created an environment where young talents like Jaiswal can flourish and contribute significantly. Jaiswal’s outstanding performance at the top of the order exemplifies the positive impact of Rohit’s leadership on the team’s overall performance.
While the individual brilliance of players like Jaiswal and the experience of veterans like Ashwin are undoubtedly valuable assets, it is the combined effect of Rohit Sharma’s leadership, tactical acumen, and ability to motivate his team that has truly propelled India forward. His unwavering focus and calculated approach have provided the glue that has held this evolving team together, ensuring that a period of transition and experimentation translates into success on the field.
Batting Analysis
Shubman Gill entered the India-England series amidst high expectations and a notable shift in his batting position, moving down to No. 3. It was a pivotal moment for him, stepping into the shoes of seasoned players like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara, especially with India facing a dearth of experienced batters due to injuries and other reasons. As the series progressed, Gill found himself evolving into a senior member of a relatively inexperienced Indian lineup.
Reflecting on Gill’s journey in this series unveils a tale of resilience and adaptation. His performance, though not consistently stellar, has been impactful. From a string of moderate scores to crucial innings, Gill’s journey has been a testament to his ability to overcome challenges and grow as a player.
The series statistics tell a compelling story: 23, 0, 34, 104, 0, 91, 38, 52*. These numbers reflect Gill’s contribution of 342 runs at an impressive average of 48.85, ranking him second in terms of runs scored across both teams and boasting the second-best average among players who featured in at least two Tests.
However, Gill’s journey has not been without its share of hurdles. He faced early vulnerabilities, particularly against England’s pace bowlers, and encountered difficulties in rotating strike against spinners. His batting at times seemed tentative, characterized by indecision and susceptibility to attacking shots.
Unlike some standout performers who seemed to possess an otherworldly aura, Gill’s innings were marked by a blend of struggle and triumph. He grappled with technical issues, addressed them, scored runs, and encountered new challenges along the way. His journey in this series wasn’t defined by a single breakthrough performance but rather by a series of adjustments and adaptations.
Gill’s innings in Visakhapatnam, where he notched up a second-innings hundred followed by a shaky performance in Rajkot, epitomizes his fluctuating form. Despite a duck in the first innings, he demonstrated resilience by rectifying his approach in the second innings, displaying greater composure and solidity at the crease.
His innings in Ranchi further underscored his ability to learn and adapt. In the first innings, he fell victim to an lbw dismissal, prompting a strategic adjustment in his approach for the second innings. Gill’s decision to step out of his crease more frequently, a natural instinct for him, proved to be a game-changer. By mitigating the lbw threat, he showcased his astute understanding of the game and willingness to innovate under pressure.
Throughout the series, Gill’s batting mirrored shades of legendary Indian batsmen like Pujara and Dravid. His ability to read the game situation and adapt his game accordingly resonated with the discipline and resilience associated with these cricketing stalwarts.
In the crucial chase of 192 runs in Ranchi, Gill’s innings epitomized his maturity and adaptability. Faced with a challenging pitch and a precarious team situation, he anchored the innings with a Pujara-esque approach. Gill’s frequent forays down the pitch, particularly against spinners, reflected a calculated strategy to neutralize the opposition’s bowling threat.
Despite the absence of boundaries, Gill’s innings was a testament to his match awareness and ability to prioritize team objectives over personal milestones. His measured approach, characterized by singles and judicious shot selection, played a pivotal role in steering India towards victory.
Gill’s journey in this series serves as a testament to his potential and resilience as a cricketer. While he may not have produced flawless performances, his ability to navigate through challenges and contribute significantly to the team’s success underscores his value as a player.
Bowling Analysis
In the fourth Test of the series, India, spearheaded by the unlikely pairing of Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel, rose to the challenge of overcoming England’s threat of securing victory within four days. This triumph secured an insurmountable 3-1 lead for India with just one match remaining.
After a promising start to the chase, where Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal laid a solid foundation, India faced a significant collapse, losing five wickets for a mere 36 runs within 20.5 overs. This left them with a precarious 120 runs on the board and needing another 72 to clinch victory. However, an unbeaten partnership between Gill and Jurel, with the latter playing only his second Test, turned the tide in India’s favor and ultimately guided them to victory.
England’s young spinners, Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley, displayed remarkable maturity during the second hour of the morning session, forcing India to work diligently after their initial bright start. Resuming at 40 without loss and needing 152 runs, India’s progress was stifled by Bashir, who added three wickets to his first-innings five-wicket haul.
However, the deficit England left India to chase was ultimately insufficient, thanks in large part to Jurel’s crucial contribution in the first innings. With 90 runs to his name, he was the only batsman besides Jaiswal (73) to surpass the 40-run mark in India’s pursuit of England’s total of 353. Jurel entered the fray with his team at 161 for 5 and played a pivotal role in building partnerships, including a 76-run stand with Kuldeep and a further 40 runs with debutant Akash Deep. By the time Jurel was dismissed as the final wicket, India had amassed 307 runs, narrowing the gap to just 46.
While Bashir and Hartley shared eight wickets between them during India’s first innings, their efforts proved insufficient as England’s batters faltered. Zak Crawley’s half-century was the sole noteworthy contribution from the English side, with three ducks and only one other batsman, Bairstow, managing to reach the 20-run mark. This left India with a seemingly achievable target, albeit one that still held potential for drama, which ultimately unfolded during the chase.
Stat Attack
Here are some new records set by India after securing their victory in the fourth Test match of the five match series.
India’s Domination Continues at Home
India continued their impressive record at home, extending their unbeaten streak while chasing targets of 200 runs or less to 30 wins in 33 matches. Additionally, their victory in Ranchi marked their 17th consecutive Test series win at home, a feat unmatched by any other team in history. This dominance is further highlighted by the fact that the Ranchi Test was only the 13th time India has won batting second despite conceding a first-innings lead.
Young Players Shine in Historic Win
Several young players contributed significantly to India’s triumph. Yashasvi Jaiswal, in his eighth Test match, became the highest run scorer for an Indian batsman after eight Tests, surpassing the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. His tally of 971 runs is also the second-highest by any player in their first eight Tests, behind only the legendary Don Bradman. Additionally, Dhurv Jurel, at the young age of 23, became the fifth-youngest wicketkeeper to win the Player-of-the-Match award in Test cricket.
India’s Win Marred by Middle-Order Collapse
Despite the overall success, India’s middle-order struggled in the Ranchi Test. The trio of Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sarfaraz Khan, collectively known as Nos. 4-6, scored only 47 runs between them, marking the fewest runs by India’s Nos. 4-6 in a Test match since 1983. This collapse was further emphasized by the fact that their four runs in the fourth innings chase are the fewest by any team’s Nos. 4-6 in a successful chase in Test cricket history. However, the contributions of young talents like Jaiswal and Jurel, along with the overall team
Key Performances
Rohit Sharma has not enjoyed good form with the bat in recent times in Test cricket. The Indian captain played brilliantly in this innings however playing a fantastic innings of 55 from 81 balls. Sharma hit 5 fours and a huge six over long-on in his innings. Shubman Gill scored a magnificent century after initially struggling with the bat in Test cricket. The young batter from Punjab hit a fifty that was characterised by the right temperament and technique. Yashsvi Jaiswal has been a revelation for India in this Test series. The 22 year old opener from Uttar Pradesh scored a quickfire 37 from 44 balls to propel his team forward.
Dhruv Jurel got his chance in the team due to the injury of KL Rahul and patchy form of KS Bharat with the bat. The 23 year old wicketkeeper batsman from Agra has not wasted any time making his mark on his second ever Test match. Jurel’s knock of 90 runs in the first innings rescued India from a patchy situation when the English bowlers looked certain to gain a huge lead in the first innings. Jurel’s calm presence steadied the Indian ship after a brief tumultuous period that saw the falling of three quick wickets. Jurel remained unbeaten at 39 when India romped to victory.
Shoaib Bashir missed the first Test match due to a visa complication. The 20 year old made his debut in the second Test and impressed with the ball. However, in the first innings of the fourth Test the 20 year old showed why he is rated so highly in the English camp. Bashir took 3 wickets for 79 runs after a marathon spell of spin bowling in the second innings. His double strike of Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan put India in a perilous position. Joe Root and Tom Hartley picked up one wicket apiece. In a test dominated by the spinners, veteran James Anderson only bowled 3 overs in the fourth innings of the match.
Turning Point
Sarfaraz Khan got dismissed on the 39th over of the second innings of India. At that point the victory was 72 runs away from the Indians. On a tough track in Ranchi, the game momentum swung heavily towards the Englishmen. Shoaib Bashir was bowling magnificently at that point. The 20 year old off-spinner was getting a lot of grip and turn from the surface. Dhruv Jurel came out to bat with Shubman Gill already in the middle. The two batsmen weathered the initial storm and played some shots to ease the pressure.
The 72 run partnership came in 22 overs as India eased their way to victory. Shubman Gill posted another fifty to continue his good form with the bat. The right-hander from Punjab played some iconic shots by using his feet well. Gill hit two sixes in his innings of 52 from 124 deliveries. Dhruv Jurel on the other hand, was calmness personified. The 23 year old showed maturity beyond his years to guide his side to the finish line. The 72 run partnership turned the mood from nervy to composed.
Match Result
India won the fourth Test match in Ranchi by a margin of five wickets. The men in blue have secured the series after an unassailable 3-1 lead in this five match series.
Player of the Match
For his outstanding contribution in a winning cause, Dhruv Jurel won the player of the match award in the Ranchi Test. The Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper batsman scored a fantastic knock of 90 runs to turn the game in his team’s favour. He then posted an unbeaten 39 to ensure India would reach the finishing line without further trouble.
Brief Scorecard
| England First Innings: 353/10 (104.5 overs) | India First Innings: 307/10 (103.2 overs) | England Second Innings: 145/10 (53.5 overs) | India Second Innings: 192/5 (61 overs) |
| Joe Root 122 (274) | Dhruv Jurel 90 (149) | Zak Crawley 60 (91) | Rohit Sharma 55 (81) |
| Ben Foakes 47 (126) | Yashasvi Jaiswal 73 (117) | Jonny Bairstow 30 (42) | Shubman Gill 52 (124) |
| Ravindra Jadeja 4/67 (32.5 overs) | Shoaib Bashir 5/119 (44 overs) | Ravichandran Ashwin 5/51 (15.5 overs) | Shoaib Bashir 3/79 (26 overs) |
| Akash Deep 3/83 (19 overs) | Tom Hartley 3/68 (27.2 overs) | Kuldeep Yadav 4/22 (15 overs) | Joe Root 1/26 (7 overs) |
Day Wrap-Up
After a disappointing result in the first game, the Indian cricket team has won three consecutive Tests to seal the five match series with England. Despite the absence of some key figures from the squad, the youngsters from India have shown their class to beat the visitors. Dhruv Jurel shone the brightest in this game with valuable knocks in both innings. Debutant Akash Deep bowled brilliantly in the first innings. The two teams will meet for the final time in this series on the 5th Test starting from 7th March at the picturesque HPCA stadium.
