Oval: As the fifth and final Test between India and England unfolds at The Oval, the spotlight has turned not only to the high-stakes chase but also to a remarkable batting feat achieved by the Indian team. With England chasing a mammoth target of 374 in the fourth innings, the scoreboard reads 115 for 3 in 30 overs still 259 runs away from victory. However, regardless of the final outcome of the match, one thing is already certain: Indian batters have made this series their own.
Shubman Gill has emerged as the undisputed titan of the series, sitting atop the run-scoring charts with a staggering 754 runs. Though narrowly missing out on breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s all-time record of 774 runs in a series by an Indian, Gill’s dominance is unquestionable. His consistency has been underlined by four exquisite centuries, making this series arguably his career-defining moment.
Close on Gill’s heels is KL Rahul, whose return to form has been a revelation. Accumulating 532 runs, Rahul may have lost Gavaskar’s record of most runs by an Indian opener in an England series (542), but his crucial partnerships at the top have set the tone for India’s innings throughout the tour.
India's middle-order rock, Ravindra Jadeja, has claimed the third spot in the run charts. Traditionally hailed for his bowling and fielding prowess, Jadeja’s contribution with the bat in this series has been nothing short of transformational. With 516 runs that include five half-centuries and a crucial century, he has redefined his role as an all-rounder.
Rounding off the top four is wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who, despite missing the final Test due to injury, amassed 479 runs in four appearances. Pant’s aggressive and fearless approach has repeatedly shifted momentum in India’s favor, especially in tight situations.
This Indian batting supremacy has left little room for England’s batters to shine in the statistical spotlight. The top four positions on the leaderboard are firmly held by Indians a rare and proud achievement on foreign soil.
As the fifth Test enters its critical phase, the Indian camp will be hoping that the bowlers can match the batters' brilliance to seal the series triumph. But no matter the result, the batting exploits of Gill and company have already carved a golden chapter in India's Test history.