Gautam Gambhir’s once-in-a-blue moon act after India beat England surprises Ravi Shastri: ‘Not often that you see this’

By Admin

07 Jul, 2025

In what turned out to be one of the most thrilling comebacks in recent Indian cricket history, Team India, under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir, stunned England at Edgbaston with a 336-run win   their biggest on overseas soil. But the cricketing action wasn't the only highlight. What grabbed even more attention was a moment that cricket fans almost never witness   Gautam Gambhir smiling. And that rare gesture from the usually intense coach left none other than Ravi Shastri, former India head coach and current commentator, visibly surprised.

The Controversial Call That Sparked the Fire

Ahead of the second Test, Gambhir and the Indian team management faced criticism for resting star pacer Jasprit Bumrah   especially from Shastri himself. Shastri didn’t mince words, expressing confusion and concern over India’s decision to rest Bumrah despite a week-long gap between Tests. Bumrah had just delivered a sensational five-wicket haul in Leeds and was seen as central to India’s bowling plans.

But Gambhir had other ideas.

India's Statement Victory at Edgbaston

India’s response came not in words, but in sheer domination. Captain Shubman Gill produced a record-breaking batting performance   scoring 259 and 161 in the same match, amassing 430 runs in total. Meanwhile, Akash Deep, Bumrah’s replacement, seized the opportunity with both hands. The young pacer claimed a 10-wicket match haul, including a six-wicket burst in the second innings, as India bulldozed England in spectacular fashion.

Mohammed Siraj also played a vital role, and together with Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, India’s pace battery dismantled England’s top order across both innings, proving that Gambhir’s gamble was a masterstroke.

Ravi Shastri's Humbling Moment On-Air

When India sealed the emphatic win, the cameras zoomed in on Gambhir   and there it was: a rare smile from the stern-faced mentor. Watching from the commentary box, Ravi Shastri couldn’t help but acknowledge the poetic irony.

“Don't see that smile too often, but he deserves every bit of it. There is no better feeling for a coach than when you bounce back almost immediately to keep the series alive,” Shastri admitted during live commentary.

It was a moment of vindication for Gambhir, who has often faced criticism for his no-nonsense, emotionless demeanor. This time, his strategic foresight and trust in India's bench strength paid off   in style.

Bumrah’s Return and Lord’s Test Anticipation

With India leveling the series, all eyes now turn to the third Test at Lord’s starting July 10, where Bumrah is set to make his return. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the pacer’s availability and shared his excitement.

“Definitely (Bumrah back at Lord's?). Very excited for that. Probably the most iconic cricket stadium in the world... no bigger honour than to captain your country and lead your team there,” Gill said in the post-match press conference.

India’s Depth and Determination on Display

What made this victory sweeter was not just the margin, but the context. India won without their ace bowler, on a ground where they had never previously succeeded in 18 attempts. It was a collective performance powered by a captain’s brilliance, a debutant’s dream spell, and a coach’s belief in his squad.

In a world obsessed with instant results and star power, Gambhir showed that strategy, faith, and long-term thinking can deliver when it matters most. And sometimes, just sometimes   it can even make Gautam Gambhir smile.