India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, acknowledged the historical challenges of touring England but emphasized that the exceptional quality of cricket displayed in the current series has made every cricket enthusiast proud. Speaking at a gathering at the India House on Monday evening, Gambhir expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from fans throughout the series, particularly highlighting the dramatic draw achieved by the Indian team in the fourth Test at Manchester. He remarked on the significance of the UK tour, noting the deep-rooted history between the two nations that adds to the complexity of such assignments. Gambhir cherished the support received during their visits, underscoring that the team never takes this backing for granted. He reflected on the past five weeks, describing them as exhilarating for both teams, with the high-quality cricket on display serving as a source of pride for cricket lovers everywhere. As the Indian team prepares for the fifth and final Test at The Oval, where they aim to level the series currently at 2-1 in favor of England, Gambhir highlighted the importance of this match as a final opportunity to honor their country and supporters. The players received a warm welcome from community leaders, parliamentarians, and fans at a diaspora reception hosted by the High Commission of India in London, where they were celebrated for their fighting spirit throughout the series. Vikram Doraiswami, India’s High Commissioner to the UK, echoed Gambhir’s sentiments, praising the team’s resilience as a reflection of the nation’s determination to overcome challenges, and he noted the series has been played in great spirit, showcasing the essence of Test cricket at its finest.
