By Krishna Dua 
The Spotlight on India’s Young Jaiswal & Gill : A Crucial Test Begins
The cricketing world is buzzing as the fourth Test between India and England kicks off today, July 23, 2025, at Old Trafford, Manchester. With England leading the five-match series 2-1, this encounter is nothing short of a must-win for India to keep their hopes of a series triumph alive. All eyes are firmly fixed on India’s dynamic young batting duo, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. In the significant absence of the recently retired Rohit Sharma, the immense responsibility of providing a strong start and leading India’s charge rests squarely on their shoulders. Their performance, particularly on Day 1, will be pivotal in setting the tone for this high-stakes contest.
The Series So Far: A Tale of Shifting Momentum
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has been a captivating affair, marked by dramatic shifts in momentum:
- First Test (Headingley): England drew first blood with a commanding victory, showcasing their aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach and putting India under early pressure.
- Second Test (Edgbaston): India staged a powerful comeback, securing a dominant win to level the series. This performance highlighted India’s resilience and depth.
- Third Test (Lord’s): A nail-biting encounter saw England edge past India by a narrow margin, regaining their lead and intensifying the pressure on the visitors for the Manchester Test.
This rollercoaster ride has set the stage for a fiercely contested fourth Test, where every session will be critical.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill: India’s Batting Vanguard
Jaiswal’s Aggression Meets Gill’s Class
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the fearless left-handed opener, has been a revelation in this series. His ability to score quickly and take the attack to the opposition bowlers from the outset has been a key asset for India. He has already notched a century in the series (at Headingley), demonstrating his capability for big scores. Shubman Gill, now also the Test captain, complements Jaiswal’s aggression with his classical technique and composed approach. Gill too has been in excellent form with the bat, including a magnificent double century earlier in the series.
The Pressure to Perform Today
While both players have delivered impressive performances, their recent outing at Lord’s saw them fall cheaply, contributing to India’s narrow defeat. This makes their performance in Manchester all the more crucial. Today, they will be under immense pressure to provide a solid, match-defining partnership at the top of the order. Their ability to negotiate the new ball, build a strong foundation, and convert their starts into substantial innings will be vital for India to post a competitive total and put England under pressure.
The Captaincy Challenge: Gill Steps Up Without Rohit
Filling a Big Void
The retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test cricket ahead of this series left a significant void in India’s lineup, both as an experienced opener and as a seasoned captain. His calm demeanor, tactical insights, and ability to absorb pressure were invaluable. Shubman Gill, at just 25, has taken on the mantle of Test captaincy for the first time in a full series, a challenging assignment in England.
Gill’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
Gill’s leadership has already shown signs of increased intensity and assertiveness, a departure from his generally calm persona. He faces the daunting task of rallying his team, managing injuries (with pacers Akash Deep, Nitish Reddy, and Arshdeep Singh all sidelined), and making crucial on-field decisions in a high-stakes environment. His ability to inspire confidence and lead from the front, both with the bat and as a strategist, will be paramount if India is to level the series.
England’s Strategy: Exploiting Home Conditions
England, buoyed by their recent win, will stick to their aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy. Their bowling attack will be keen to exploit any early moisture and swing at Old Trafford, aiming to dismiss Jaiswal and Gill cheaply. They understand that early breakthroughs can expose India’s middle order and put immense pressure on the new captain. Their batsmen will continue to play with freedom, looking to score quickly and dictate the pace of play.
Old Trafford: Pitch, Weather, and Key Match-Ups
Pitch Report: A Balanced Surface with Potential for Turn
Old Trafford historically offers a balanced pitch, providing assistance to pacers early on before spinners come into play as the match progresses. Recent trends suggest the pitch might be flatter, but the expected overcast conditions and recent rain could bring seamers into play. The toss will be crucial, with captains weighing the options of batting first to capitalize on a fresh pitch or bowling first to exploit any early moisture.
Weather Forecast: Rain Threats Loom
The Manchester weather forecast for today, July 23, indicates cloudy skies with a significant chance of light rain, particularly during the second session. Temperatures will range between 15°C and 19°C. These conditions could lead to interruptions, impacting the flow of play and potentially favoring fast bowlers who can extract swing and seam movement.
Key Player Battles
Beyond Jaiswal and Gill, several individual battles will shape the match:
- England’s new-ball bowlers vs. India’s top order: The initial spell will be crucial.
- England’s aggressive batsmen vs. India’s spinners: How India’s spin attack counters England’s ‘Bazball’ will be key.
- The battle of the all-rounders: Players who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball will be invaluable.
Can India Level the Series? The Ultimate Test
The fourth Test is a defining moment for India. While the absence of Rohit Sharma and injuries to key bowlers present significant challenges, the onus is on Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to step up and deliver. Their ability to forge a substantial partnership today, coupled with a disciplined bowling effort, will determine India’s fate in the series.
Given England’s current momentum and home advantage, they start as slight favorites. However, India’s resilience and the potential for their young stars to shine under pressure mean this match is far from a foregone conclusion. Expect a fiercely contested battle where every run, every wicket, and every session will matter. The cricketing world awaits to see if Jaiswal and Gill can lead India’s charge and keep the series alive.