Shubman Gill Guides India's Gallant Comeback on Day 4 of 4th Test vs England

India staged a gallant comeback on Day 4 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in a thrilling unbeaten partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill.After being in serious trouble at the start of the second innings when both openers got out for zero off the first over of India it seemed like they were again on the brink of defeat.Gill and Rahul led the charge and demonstrated remarkable patience skill and leadership to lead India to 174 for 2 at the close of the day's play.Their 174-run unbeaten stand now has India's hopes alive as the final day of the match approaches.

During the match, England had asserted complete dominance with a score of 669 in their first innings and also the highest ever Test score at Old Trafford. Ben Stokes had played an excellent captain's innings scoring 141 runs and taking England to an authoritative position. India had responded with 358 in their first innings putting them 311 runs behind. When England made India follow-on they caused damage in the very first over by dismissing both Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan for zero. India were in a huge amount of pressure at 0 for 2 but the innings picked up from there due to Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.

Shubman Gill has not only played a match-saving knock so far but also created history. He went past Virat Kohli’s record for the most runs scored by an Indian captain in a single Test series. Gill also became the first-ever Asian batter to score 650 runs in a Test series played in England. It is a huge achievement and reflects on how persistent and invigorating his performances have been in the series. His calm nature and strong technique have made India come back from tough positions and his batting on Day 4 reflected the traits of a great leader.

KL Rahul himself also displayed immense determination and class. His 87 off 210 deliveries, unbeaten, was one of grit as he kept one end in check and formed a good partnership with his captain. Rahul's calmness under pressure and defending good balls while hammering loose ones provided India with the stability they required after such a nervous start. Both batters were in complete control together against England's bowlers who were desperate to get the stand broken.

The bowlers from England worked hard but could not achieve the breakthrough once the partnership began to develop. Liam Dawson bowled 22 overs without a wicket and Joe Root also tested his off-spin for five overs but was also unable to make a difference. The Old Trafford pitch began to take some wear and tear but Gill and Rahul bat with concentration and discipline and were not distracted by the conditions. Their stand is now one of the highlights of this Test and may prove to be the turning point for India in this match.

With India still behind by 137 runs on the final day the job is not easy as yet. But the performances of these two batsmen and their display of fight and character inspire a lot of hope for the Indian team and the fans. If they maintain this form on Day 5 and play out a couple of more sessions India might be able to save the Test and make the series live. If England defeat them, they will win the series so the pressure will be on both teams when action resumes.

Gill's performance in the series has been India's biggest plus. Not only has he captained the team well by making intelligent decisions on the field but his batting has been vital too. Shattering the record held by Virat Kohli is no mean achievement and accomplishing it in challenging English conditions makes it all the more special. Being more than 650 runs scored in a Test series in England is something that no other Asian batsman had accomplished before and that sets Gill apart.

KL Rahul getting back to form is also good news for the Indian team. His imposing batting and tranquil presence at the middle order counterbalance the team and inject some might into the top order. Having these two batsmen at the crease India's chances of enduring this Test are not dead yet. Day 5 will be all about keeping its head rotating strike and thrashing any weak deliveries. If they are able to withstand the morning session and gradually chip away at the deficit the pressure will then be placed back on the England bowlers.

There has been some exceptional individual performance in this Test match from both sides. Ben Stokes' 141 was an England match-defining knock and demonstrated why he is considered one of the best all-rounders in the world. For India it was Shubman Gill and KL Rahul who stood firm and refused to surrender even when they were in a precarious position. Cricket spectators from both nations would now be keeping an eagle eye as the fifth day might harbor more drama and even a historic draw or victory depending on the course of the day.

Ultimately this match has already proven that Test cricket is unpredictable and exciting. With each session momentum has shifted and both sides have had their moments. Shubman Gill's record-breaking batting and Rahul's solid batting have seen India pull back from the edge and given them a genuine chance of saving the game. On Day 5 all eyes will be on these two to see if they can complete what they began and stop England winning the series in Old Trafford.