Shubman Gill’s battle cry — “Ek ghanta zor lagayenge…” — ignited India’s thrilling Day 4 comeback, paving the way for a series-levelling win at The Oval.
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Shubman Gill’s Rallying Cry Sparks India’s Stunning Comeback at The Oval
In sport, a timely war cry can reignite belief when all hope seems lost. Shubman Gill’s fiery words — “Ek ghanta zor lagayenge…” — did just that on Day 4 of the fifth Test against England. His passionate call inspired India to stage a remarkable turnaround, transforming what looked like an inevitable defeat into a thrilling contest and opening the door for a series-levelling win at The Oval.
Chasing 374—a target no team had achieved in 123 years at the venue—England stumbled early, losing stand-in captain Ollie Pope as the score slumped to 106 for three under gloomy skies. Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) then revived England’s hopes with a commanding 195-run partnership, steering them towards a 3-1 series victory with plenty of time remaining. Root’s record 39th Test century came as England needed just 44 more runs and held six wickets in hand.
But just as the hosts seemed set to seal the match, Shubman Gill inspiring war cry, caught on the stump microphone, energized the Indian bowlers. “Come on, boys. Ek ghanta aur zor lagayenge, uske baad sab mil ke aaraam karenge” (“Let’s give it our all for one more hour, then we’ll all rest together”), he urged.
What followed was instant magic—a spirited fightback that turned the tide in India’s favor.
Post-Tea Collapse Shifts Momentum as India Threatens England’s Lead
These twin strikes dramatically flipped the script, putting India back firmly in the contest and leaving England under pressure, facing a potential defeat at The Oval. However, bad light and rain interrupted India’s momentum in the final session, with England ending Day 4 at 339 for six. The hosts now require 35 runs to win, with Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton at the crease, while India need just four wickets to level the series 2-2.
Meanwhile, it remains uncertain whether Chris Woakes—ruled out earlier with a shoulder injury but seen dressed to bat—will return to the crease on Day 5.