'Whenever he was bowling, I was guiding him' - Siraj, Pant reveal India's tactics at Edgbaston

India pulled off a historic win over hosts England at Edgbaston on Sunday, marking the first-ever time the side has won at the venue. Following the victory, emotions poured over as players and fans alike shared their joy.

While India had several reasons to celebrate - ranging from Shubman Gill's iconic batting display as captain to Akash Deep's six-wicket haul - a recent video shared by the BCCI gave fans a glimpse into the raw emotions and jubilation following the win on Day 5. In the clip shared on X, Gill, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj each took a stump as a souvenir after the win. While the moment meant a lot to every player, it was Siraj, Akash Deep, and vice-captain Rishabh Pant who were visibly brimming with emotion.

Flaunting one of the stumps, Siraj looked back at the second Test and proudly displayed his first-innings figures, which was etched onto the stump. "19.3 - 3 - 70 - 6" read the markings, capturing his six-wicket haul. "As a player, it's great to create history. Whenever he (Akash Deep) was bowling, I was at mid-off guiding him. I used to tell him not to go for wickets—just put it in one place and you'll get wickets. Like I said in the first innings, if it's in his destiny, he'll get a fifer.

Second innings, next day, he got a fifer," beamed Siraj as he reflected on the pace attack’s performance. He also ranked the match as the third-best of his career, after Gabba and Lord’s (both in 2021). Vice-captain Pant, one of the most animated figures in the Test, confidently stated that India had completed their ‘task’ against the hosts. "Last time we came here, the task was incomplete at Edgbaston. This time, I am so happy that we were able to achieve it."

He added that the team was focused on defying past outcomes and not letting history define them.

The video also featured several light-hearted moments as players celebrated the win. In contrast to his usual serious demeanour, head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen erupting in laughter and embracing his players after the result. Veteran spinner and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja praised the entire team for its collective effort but singled out captain Gill for his impeccable role as both skipper and batter in the second Test.

India’s stunning 336-run win over England in the second Test has levelled the five-match series at 1-1, with the next match set to begin at Lord’s on July 10.