India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate expressed disappointment after captain Shubman Gill was run out in a critical moment on Day 1 of the fifth Test at The Oval. But even amid frustration, he acknowledged that Gill’s form has earned him a pass for the rare misjudgment.
A Risk That Didn’t Pay Off
With India recovering from early losses, Gill and Sai Sudharsan were rebuilding the innings when disaster struck. Attempting a risky single off Gus Atkinson, Gill tapped the ball toward cover and called for a quick run. Atkinson pounced and nailed a direct hit at the striker’s end. Gill, caught short and not even in the frame, was dismissed for 21 off 35 balls. It was only the second run-out of his Test career, the first also coming against England earlier in the 2024 series.
Coach’s Take: “He’s in the Touch of His Life”
Speaking after stumps, Ryan ten Doeschate said, “It’s probably more frustrating for him than anyone else. He’s in the touch of his life and looked so comfortable out there. These things happen. It was a misjudgement, but given what he’s done this series, we’ll let him off.” England’s disciplined bowling, combined with tricky overhead conditions, made batting tough, and Gill’s early dismissal halted India’s momentum at a crucial stage.
Breaking Records Despite the Blip
Despite the untimely exit, Gill still managed to etch his name into history books. He surpassed Sunil Gavaskar’s long-standing record for the most runs by an Indian Test captain in a series, pushing his tally to 737 runs. He also broke Garry Sobers’ record for most runs by a visiting captain in a Test series in England, which stood for six decades.
With three centuries and a double hundred already under his belt, Gill has emerged as India’s standout performer. As India ended Day 1 at 204/6, all eyes will be on how they bounce back on Day 2—and whether Gill’s run-out proves to be a turning point or just a footnote.
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Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
