Mohammed Siraj celebrates after bowling England’s final batter, sealing India’s thrilling win at The Oval (PTI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday hailed India's sensational six-run win over England in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, celebrating the team’s gritty comeback to level the series 2-2.
India beat England by six runs; level the series 2-2 | Indian Captain Shubman Gill says, "There are moments like these where you feel the journey is worth it.
With the six-run finish of India over England in the final Test at The Oval, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor - famous for his honest concerns - joined the revelry. It completed India's 2-2 draw in the series and amazed all fans and the erstwhile critics of the behavior of the team in holding its own.
Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter) and heaped praises on the team's terrific fight back: "Words fail me… WHAT A WIN! 🇮🇳🏏 Absolutely exhilarated & ecstatic for #TeamIndia on victory against England clinching the series!" He also appreciated the tenacity and togetherness reflected in India's final-day approach: "The grit, determination, and passion on display were simply incredible. This team is special."
Interestingly, Tharoor, who earlier doubted India's chances, owned up and said the team's ability had been underestimated. "I apologize for that moment of doubt about yesterday's result. But Mohammed Siraj never stopped believing! Shabash to our heroes" he tweeted.
It was Siraj's indefatigable belief and fiery pace that created a turnaround in the match. The odds seemed to be against the starting day since England required just 35 runs and had four wickets in hand. But Siraj had other plans. He took nine wickets in the match and was later awarded Player of the Match.
After the match, he shared a personal moment that set the tone for his day. "I woke up and searched for a wallpaper on Google which placed the word 'Believe'. I looked at it and said to myself 'this is for the country.' That belief was carrying me," he narrated.
Even in the absence of pace leader Jasprit Bumrah, India took the test of its bowling unit. Siraj sent home Gus Atkinson through a searing yorker just six runs short of the target and sealed the game.
Almost more than levelling the series, the win at The Oval was about belief and teamwork, seizing moments under pressure.
