India beat England in final test to avoid series defeat in an exciting conclusion to the five-match Test series held in Rajkot. With a commanding 228-run victory, the Indian team leveled the series 2-2, denying England their hopes of a historic series win on Indian soil. From clinical bowling to composed batting, India outclassed England across all departments to maintain their unbeaten home series streak since 2012.
The high-stakes match started with India winning the toss and opting to bat first. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal provided a steady platform, with Jaiswal playing a mature knock of 56. The middle order followed through with solid contributions. Virat Kohli’s classy 85 stood out as the backbone of India’s innings, helping them reach a strong total of 418 runs. England’s bowlers, especially Mark Wood and Rehan Ahmed, failed to contain the Indian batters on a pitch offering little assistance.
England’s response was disappointing. Joe Root managed a resilient half-century, but the rest of the batting order collapsed under pressure from India’s fiery pace duo — Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The visitors were dismissed for just 204, handing India a massive first-innings lead of 214 runs.
India’s Second Innings Push and Tactical Declaration
With a comfortable lead in hand, India batted with aggression in their second innings. Rishabh Pant provided fireworks, scoring a quick 60 off just 45 balls, while Gill added useful runs. India declared at 185/4, giving England an uphill task of chasing 399 runs on a deteriorating pitch.
The pitch in Rajkot had begun to offer sharp turn and variable bounce, and India’s spinners were ready to exploit it. England’s top order again struggled, failing to build partnerships or settle in. The stage was perfectly set for India’s spin pair — Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.
India Beat England in Final Test with a Perfect Blend of Youth and Experience
India beat England in final test not only with skill but also with a perfect combination of young talent and experienced players stepping up when needed. While seasoned names like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin delivered under pressure, emerging stars such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant showcased their growing maturity on the big stage. This balanced team effort highlighted India’s depth in both batting and bowling. The younger players brought energy and fearlessness, while the seniors provided stability and tactical awareness. This blend proved too strong for England, especially in conditions that required patience, adaptability, and cricketing intelligence.
Jadeja’s Five-Wicket Haul Destroys England’s Hope
Ravindra Jadeja, playing at his home ground, delivered a memorable performance with the ball. He picked up five wickets in the second innings, using the rough patches on the pitch to his advantage. Ashwin kept things tight from the other end, maintaining pressure and forcing mistakes.
England collapsed to 170 all out on the final morning, never really threatening India’s lead. With that, India sealed a 228-run win and secured a draw in the five-match series — a result that seemed unlikely after being 2-1 down earlier in the series.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised the team’s fighting spirit and highlighted the importance of contributions from both senior players and youngsters. Coach Rahul Dravid also acknowledged the disciplined bowling attack and the improved application by the batters.
Series Ends 2-2: What This Means for Both Teams
This result was a strong statement from India — a team under pressure that bounced back in style. The win ensured that India’s long-standing dominance at home remained intact. It also served as a confidence booster for the younger players like Jaiswal, Gill, and Pant, who handled the pressure well.
England, on the other hand, will return home with mixed feelings. Despite early success in the series, they were unable to hold their nerve when it mattered most. Captain Ben Stokes admitted after the match that their inability to adapt to Indian conditions cost them the final test.
The 2-2 series draw reflects how competitive the series was, with momentum shifting several times. But in the end, it was India’s experience and home advantage that made the difference. As the team now prepares for their upcoming tour of South Africa, this victory brings relief and renewed energy.
For England, there are lessons to learn, especially in how to play quality spin in the subcontinent. They showed promise but lacked consistency in crunch moments. However, young players like Rehan Ahmed showed potential and will be crucial for England’s future.
The Rajkot Test will be remembered not just for the result, but for India’s comeback — and for Jadeja’s match-winning spell in front of his home fans.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs England, 5th Test |
| Venue | Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot |
| Result | India won by 228 runs |
| Series Outcome | Drawn 2-2 |
| Top Indian Performer | Virat Kohli (85), Ravindra Jadeja (5 wickets) |
| Player of the Match | Ravindra Jadeja |
| India 1st Innings | 418 all out |
| England 1st Innings | 204 all out |
| India 2nd Innings | 185/4 declared |
| England 2nd Innings | 170 all out |
