Cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli led an outpouring of praise for Team India after their sensational victory in the fifth Test against England, which saw them level the five-match series 2-2. The win was built on a fiery spell from pacer Mohammed Siraj, who bagged 5/104 in one of the finest performances of his career. He ended the series with 23 wickets, the highest tally for any bowler from either side.
Chasing a record 374 in the fourth innings, England appeared to be in control at 339 for six at stumps on the penultimate day. However, India’s bowlers produced a spirited effort on the final morning, claiming the last four wickets quickly to bundle the hosts out for 367 and seal a thrilling seven-run win.
Tendulkar, who has been a vocal supporter of India’s youth-driven Test side, called the victory “perfect 10”.
“Test cricket… absolute goosebumps. Series 2–2, Performance 10/10! SUPERMEN from INDIA! What a Win,” Tendulkar tweeted.
Virat Kohli, who retired from Test cricket ahead of this series, was elated with the team’s resilience.
“Great win by team india. Resilience and determination from Siraj and Prasidh has given us this phenomenal victory. Special mention to Siraj who will put everything on the line for the team. Extremely happy for him,” Kohli wrote on X.
Siraj responded with gratitude, thanking Kohli for “believing” in his abilities.
Former captain Sourav Ganguly applauded the young squad’s consistency, saying,
“Exceptional series from Jadeja, Washington, Pant ..so much consistency from this young team. @bcci.”
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, ruled out of the decider due to a broken foot, lauded the team’s spirit in a heartfelt Instagram post:
“A tour that asked a lot and gave even more in return. Proud of how this team stood up, adapted and kept fighting… This team is hungry, united and here to take Indian cricket forward.”
Cricket expert Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted the series as proof that “no individual is indispensable”, noting that the victories came despite the absence of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Kohli, Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah.
“Series drawn with 2 wins that didn’t feature Rohit, Virat, Shami & yes BUMRAH too! Great win for Indian cricket & great LESSON for Indian cricket. No individual is indispensable. Well done team India,” he tweeted.
From Anil Kumble to Harbhajan Singh, tributes poured in for Siraj and Prasidh Krishna (4/126), who delivered crucial breakthroughs to swing the match India’s way. Suryakumar Yadav, Ajinkya Rahane, and Irfan Pathan also hailed the team’s grit and determination.
Even former England skipper Michael Vaughan was left in awe, posting:
“Wow .. I haven’t witnessed anything quite like that .. an incredible series .. #ENGvIND.” With this historic win, India not only drew the series but also lifted the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on boundary count, marking yet another memorable chapter in their Test cricket journey
