Daijiworld Media Network - Birmingham

Birmingham, Jul 6: Former head coach Ravi Shastri has lauded Team India’s remarkable 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston, marking their first-ever Test win at the venue and levelling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 1-1.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Shastri called the dominant win a testament to the resilience and spirit of the young Indian team, especially after the crushing loss at Leeds.

“It’s a tribute to the character of the boys to bounce back the way they have. The defeat at Leeds was a tough pill to swallow, but this is a game where they dominated throughout — with the bat, ball, and in the field. It’s a Test match to remember for Gill and for India,” Shastri said.

Despite missing spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and leaving out Kuldeep Yadav, India found their hero in Akash Deep, who stepped up as Bumrah’s replacement. The pacer delivered a sensational ten-wicket match haul, dismantling England’s batting on the final day.

Backing Akash’s brilliance was captain Shubman Gill, who put on a show for the ages, scoring 430 runs across both innings — the highest aggregate by an Indian in a single Test match.

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik also praised Gill’s regal composure and maturity at the crease: “India has this knack of giving players titles, and Gill is known as the prince. He plays in a princely manner — confident, composed, and mentally tuned in. He’s been India’s most consistent batter and clearly understands what he wants to bring to the table,” Karthik said.

He added, “For nine out of ten days of Test cricket, India have looked the better team.”

The commanding win not only redeems India after their Headingley heartbreak but also sets the stage for a thrilling remainder of the series.