• Shubman Gill’s ill-judged leave against Ben Stokes’ inswinger led to a wave of merciless trolling from cricket fans worldwide.

  • India’s solid start faded as the middle order faltered and England regained control by tea on Day1.

Fans mercilessly troll Shubman Gill over his dismissal on Day 1 of ENG vs IND fourth Test
Fans mercilessly troll Shubman Gill over his dismissal on Day 1 of ENG vs IND fourth Test (Image source: X)

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The England vs India fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, commenced on July 23, 2025, with high stakes and even greater tension. England, leading 2-1 in the five-match series, chose to field first, hoping seam-friendly conditions would play into their hands. India, captained by Shubman Gill, faced not just the challenge of drawing level but also of overturning their poor record at Manchester, with injuries forcing key team changes. The drama, already simmering from confrontations in the previous Test, saw its first flashpoint when Gill’s dismissal set social media ablaze.

Fans lampoon Shubman Gill’s costly error on Ben Stokes inswinger

Gill’s wicket was the talk of the afternoon, and not for the reasons he would have hoped. Coming in after the solid start set by Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, Gill faced Ben Stokes in the 50th over. Stokes angled a good length ball in from outside off, and Gill, opting for caution, thrust his front foot out and offered no shot. The ball nipped back sharply, striking him flush below the knee roll. Umpire Rod Tucker answered England’s loud appeal, raising the finger as Gill immediately reviewed the decision. The review was never in doubt: three reds on the replay, absolutely stone dead. “You cannot do that to Stokes,” as one commentator remarked, summarizing the folly of leaving a Stokes inducker on these helpful pitches.

The moment Gill’s wicket was confirmed, fans instantly took to social media to voice their frustration and disappointment. Many mocked the Indian captain’s technique against the moving ball, with memes and sarcastic posts flooding social media. The chorus of online criticism highlighted a growing impatience with Gill’s run of underwhelming scores in whites, especially when his leadership is so crucial in the series context.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: ENG vs IND: KL Rahul makes history in Manchester Test; joins Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli in an elite club

Openers show grit but India lost hold before Tea

Before Gill’s dramatic exit, the Indian openers offered a disciplined batting display against disciplined English seam bowling. Jaiswal and Rahul weathered early movement under cloudy Manchester skies. Jaiswal’s aggressive drives and Rahul’s patient accumulation saw India reach 78/0 at lunch, reflecting both control and intent. The duo compiled 94 for the first wicket—a stand that set a strong foundation on a challenging surface.

However, after lunch, England pulled things back. Woakes removed Rahul for 46, and Dawson broke through by dismissing Jaiswal for 58, curbing India’s momentum just as both looked set for bigger scores. At 120/2, Sai Sudharsan dug in, playing a watchful knock as Stokes and company continued to find movement and create pressure. But Gill’s untimely dismissal at 140/3—with just 12 runs to his name—left India in a spot of bother heading into tea.

At the interval, India were 149/3 from 52 overs, with Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant in the middle and the run rate at a cautious 2.86. The openers’ efforts gave India a foothold, but familiar middle-order stumbles meant the session once again belonged to England’s persistence and Gill’s lapse remained the day’s defining narrative.

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Fans erupt as KL Rahul & Yashasvi Jaiswal lead India to wicketless first session on Day 1 of Manchester Test

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.