Kuldeep Yadav let out a roar, pumped his fists and broke into frenzied celebrations. As Joe Root’s heave landed in the hands of the long-on fielder, the wrist spinner couldn’t hold back his emotions.
He had been excellent in this series, his release lethal with more bite and speed. Befittingly, he provided the final touch in the moment of glory.
The celebrations though had started long before lunch. “If Bumrah doesn’t get you, Ashwin will; if Jadeja doesn’t get you, Kuldeep will.” The spectators in the grand stand of the main pavilion had been vociferously chanting the impromptu rhyme all morning, catching the ears of the Barmy Army stationed in the adjoining enclosure.
As India converted their 3-1 lead into 4-1 at the HPCA Stadium on Saturday, almost at the stroke of tea on Day III, the English trumpeter fell in line and started playing a Bollywood tune much to the delight of the gathering.
Ben Stokes throwing his head back in disgust after Ashwin broke through his defence – the captain playing for the turn which wasn’t there – was an apt portrayal of England’s plight on this tour, the final Test ending in an innings and 64-run loss.
Stokes finished with 199 runs in 10 innings, had seven scores under 15, averaged 7.6 in the second innings and was a sitting duck against the spinners, especially Ashwin, who has now dismissed him 13 times in his career.
Needing 259 to make India bat again, they had to show caution and discretion but played into the hands of the spinners. Bowling with the new ball, Ashwin made his 100th Test memorable with his 36th five-wicket haul, eclipsing Anil Kumble, and, along with player of the match Kuldeep (2/40), broke the backbone of their batting.