'We've always found people to step up' - Proud Rahul Dravid commends team spirit after series win

After a one-sided affair in Dharamshala, Indian head coach Rahul Dravid beamed with pride as India triumphed over England by an innings and 64 runs in the fifth Test, and secured the series by a thumping 4-1 margin. Dravid hailed the team's remarkable resilience, especially after conceding the first Test at Hyderabad. He lauded the players' determination in tough situations and credited the support staff for their pivotal role in the turnaround. The victory highlighted India's home dominance since 2012 and their determination to hold the reign of remaining  undefeated at home for more than 11 years intact.

In a resounding victory at Dharamshala, India, powered by Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin's five-wicket hauls in England's first and second innings, respectively, alongside stellar batting performances spearheaded by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill's centuries during India's ascendancy with the bat, routed England by an innings and 64 runs, and clinched the series 4-1. Following the emphatic final Test triumph, the head coach expressed his sentiments on the team's achievement.

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“Yeah, really proud, to be honest. To go behind in the first Test, obviously it was a little bit disappointing, but just credit to the team and all the players, the way they bounced back. I thought we were able to keep a lot of calmness in spite of losing that first match. I still believed that we had the skills and the abilities to compete. And just the way we performed, especially when we've been put under pressure at various stages in the series. We've always found people to step up, the team to stand up. So as a coach and as a support staff, I couldn't be really prouder of this team and the way they've played right through the series,” Dravid said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. 

“[On the new players coming through] I think it's nice. I think I'm privileged to work with a lovely team. It's not just about me. And I think this is a fantastic bunch of professionals that I have the privilege of working with. And I'm learning from them all the time. Rohit Sharma has been fantastic to work with. I think he's a terrific leader. And just the guys gravitate towards him phenomenally, which is fantastic to see,” he added. 

England's collective woes laid bare in 5th Test 

Despite choosing to bat on a pitch that seemed advantageous, England's batting troubles emerged early in the first innings, resulting in a stumble on Day 1 itself. Despite the benign conditions, they struggled to make an impact with both bat and ball. Shoaib Bashir's persistent efforts with the ball eventually helped them dismiss the opposition, albeit conceding a daunting 259-run lead. Facing a still-promising pitch, England's openers fell cheaply, followed by a struggling Ollie Pope. While No. 4 and No. 5 batters Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow fought back and tried salvaging the situation to the best of their abilities, their resistance proved short-lived against a relentless Indian attack.