‘Dil jeet liya shero ne’- Fans react as India hammer England by record 434-run margin in Rajkot Test

Ahead of the start of play on Day 4 of the 5-match Test series, India were expected to extend their dominance and set up the foundation for a clinical win on day 5 but what unfolded, was an unbelievable display from the hosts, culminating in a fantastic 434-run victory that puts them firmly in control of the series, with a 2-1 lead. This is now India’s biggest victory in Test cricket in terms of runs.

England, chasing a mammoth 557 for victory, had a horrendous second innings with the bat to say the very least. That the chase was going to be near impossible was never in question but not many expected the visitors’ ship to capsize in the manner that it did. England lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for just 122, in what was a meek surrender. Home-town boy, Ravindra Jadeja was the star of the show as he claimed a magnificent 5-wicket haul, his 13th in Test cricket. The rest of the bowlers also bowled immaculately as Ben Stokes’s side succumbed to the combined pressure of India’s relentless bowling attack and an inevitable defeat.

This emphatic victory was built on the foundation of a commanding double-hundred by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Shubman Gill also batted extremely well, falling 9 short of what would have been a deserving century. Sarfaraz Khan, who smashed a sublime half-century in the first innings, compiled another entertaining fifty as India declared with 430 runs in the second innings.

“I’m really proud of how we came back”

It was a comprehensive performance by India, showcasing its strength in all departments. Speaking to the official broadcaster, JioCinema, after the game, skipper Rohit Sharma expressed great delight at the team’s performance and was especially proud of the way the team came back after the onslaught from Ben Duckett on Day 2. “the message was to stay calm and I’m really proud of how we came back the next day. When those things happen, it’s a delight,” he said.

This victory not only gives India a 2-1 series lead but also injects a crucial dose of confidence into the team which has been dented by injuries. England, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their vulnerabilities quickly if they are to challenge India in the remaining two Tests. The stage is set for an enthralling climax to this high-octane series.

Here’s a look at how fans on social media reacted to India’s convincing victory:

https://twitter.com/subhash92/status/1759181197094289685

https://twitter.com/Kunal_KLR/status/1759175613536227755

India's biggest win in ODIs under Captain Rohit Sharma.

India's biggest win in Tests under Captain Rohit Sharma.

— ICT Fan (@Delphy06) February 18, 2024

https://twitter.com/Aarushijoshii/status/1759175704581644352

https://twitter.com/Samridd90774225/status/1759175891995996571

https://twitter.com/Pallab200205/status/1759175650894889139

https://twitter.com/koini007/status/1759180260816392376

https://twitter.com/iaMalik02/status/1759175665587216847