The historic five-Test series between India and England wrapped up with a dramatic finale at The Oval, ending in a well-earned 2-2 draw after 25 days of riveting, old-school cricket. From Dubai to Delhi, fans followed every over in a series that reminded the cricketing world why Test cricket still rules hearts.
And fittingly, it was India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj who took the final wicket on Monday morning, sending a wave of joy across millions — including cricket-mad Gulf residents glued to screens in cafes, offices, and homes.
India’s Standouts: Gulf Fans Applaud Grit and Glory
Shubman Gill (9/10)
A breakout series as captain, with 754 runs at a whopping average of 75.40. Calm under pressure, composed in strokeplay — Gill won hearts across continents.
Mohammed Siraj (9.5/10)
The warrior of the series. With 26 wickets and a never-say-die attitude, Siraj’s name was on everyone’s lips from Mumbai to Muscat. He drew more false shots than any Indian quick in history — and delivered when it mattered.
Rishabh Pant (8.5/10)
The entertainer-in-chief. Back from injury, his fearless batting brought flair and fight. Every Gulf-based fan with a soft spot for audacious strokeplay loved every moment.
England’s Core: From Root’s Elegance to Stokes’ Fire
Joe Root (9/10)
Three centuries, total calm at the crease, and career milestones galore. Whether in Dubai’s cricket lounges or Sharjah’s stadium cafés, fans agreed: Root is England’s timeless run machine.
Ben Stokes (8/10)
A captain who led with boldness. His all-round performance — 304 runs and 17 wickets — mirrored the Bazball mindset, admired even in the Gulf for its daring spirit.
Jamie Smith (8.5/10)
The fresh face with sharp gloves and a sharper bat. A name that’s fast becoming familiar in the Gulf’s youth leagues and cricketing circles.
Gulf Talk Roundup: Player Ratings Snapshot
India Highlights:
- KL Rahul – 8
- Ravindra Jadeja – 8
- Washington Sundar – 8
- Bumrah – 7
- Akash Deep – 7
- Pant – 8.5
- Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Reddy – 4
- England Highlights:
- Duckett – 8
- Brook – 8
- Jofra Archer – 7
- Josh Tongue – 7
- Chris Woakes – 5
- Jamie Overton – 4
Test Cricket Still Reigns – From Lords to the Gulf
This wasn’t just a cricket series — it was a global spectacle. And in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and beyond, fans tuned in with passion. As cricket continues to grow across the Gulf, series like these fuel dreams, debates, and the undying love for the red-ball game.
From Gill’s grace to Siraj’s storm, from Root’s class to Stokes’ swagger — the 2025 India v England series gave us a blockbuster. And as The Gulf Talk sees it, the real winner was cricket.
