Team India secured a commanding 434-run win over England on Day 4 of the third Test at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s remarkable double century (214*), coupled with substantial contributions from Shubman Gill (91) and debutant Sarfaraz Khan (68*), propelled the hosts to a total of 430/4 (declared) in their second innings, setting a formidable target of 557 for the visitors.

In pursuit of the target, England faltered and were dismissed for a mere 122 runs in 39.4 overs. Their batting performance lacked vigor, with no player managing to reach the half-century mark. Fast bowler Mark Wood top-scored with 33 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja shone with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul, thereby sealing India’s most significant victory in Test cricket in terms of the margin of runs.

Following the impressive triumph, Indian captain Rohit Sharma indirectly criticized England’s approach to cricket, highlighting the importance of maintaining competitiveness throughout all five days of a Test match rather than focusing solely on securing a victory within a shorter timeframe.

“When you play Test cricket, you do not play it in two or three days. You have to stay in the game for five days. They played good shots (in the second innings) and put us under pressure but we have got class in our squad when it comes to bowling. So obviously the message was to stay calm (after day two). Important that time to stay calm, otherwise you drift. We stuck to our plans on day three, and when those things happen, it is a delight,” Rohit said while speaking at the post-match presentation.

On Ravindra Jadeja promoted to No. 5 in the first innings and Sarfaraz Khan notching up two half-centuries in his debut Test, Rohit Sharma said, “For this game, we thought he (Jadeja) has so much experience in this format, and scored lot of runs of late. We also wanted left-right batting as well. Sarfaraz being Sarfaraz, we know his quality, we wanted him to have some time before he comes out to bat. We saw what he can do with the bat. By no means is it some long plan with the batting order, we go with what is right for us for that Test match. Including calculating what the opponents’ bowling attack is.”

Talking about the turning point of the match, the Indian skipper said, “Lots of turning points. Once we won the toss, that was a good toss to win. We know runs on board is important in India. The lead was also crucial for us. The way we came out to bowl after the English batters’ onslaught, important to stay calm… the bowlers showed a lot of character. Not to forget we did not have our most experienced bowler too (Ravichandran Ashwin who missed the day three due to personal reasons). I was proud to watch the bowlers. Then in our second innings, we knew half the job was done. We wanted to extend the lead, and the two youngsters helped extend. And then finally Jadeja.”

The Indian skipper had special praise reserved for Jaiswal, who slammed his second Test double ton in the ongoing series against England.

“I have spoken a lot about him. I am sure people outside the changing room have also been talking about him. I want to be calm about him, not talk a lot about him. He has started his career on a high.”

With this victory, India took a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series. The fourth Test is slated to get underway on February 23 in Ranchi.

Following this win, India now holds a 2-1 advantage in the ongoing five-match Test series. The fourth Test match is scheduled to commence on February 23 in Ranchi.