Quiet Return Home After Oval Test Victory
Following a memorable series-levelling win at The Oval, the Indian cricket team chose a subdued return home rather than a grand celebration. The victory marked the end of a long and challenging series, yet the players opted for personal downtime before departing for India on Tuesday morning. Many squad members, including Mohammed Siraj, boarded an Emirates flight less than 24 hours after the dramatic conclusion of the fifth and final Test.
Travel Plans and Player Movements
Upon landing in Dubai on Tuesday evening, the team members planned to catch connecting flights to their respective home cities across India. Mohammed Siraj, who played a pivotal role in securing the victory, was set to take the next available flight to Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh and Shardul Thakur were among those heading directly back home.
Players Taking Time Off in England
Some players decided to remain in England for a brief respite. Just hours after the thrilling finish, squad members like Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna were spotted enjoying time with their families in central London. Kuldeep Yadav, who did not participate in the series, was seen socializing with former India player Piyush Chawla.
Squad Adjustments and Future Plans
Jasprit Bumrah, absent from the series decider due to workload management, had been released from the squad during the game. A BCCI source confirmed that there were no celebrations post-match due to the exhausting nature of the series. The players prioritized personal time or family gatherings over festivities.
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Challenges
The series draw in England was a significant achievement for Shubman Gill and his relatively inexperienced team, especially following the retirements of cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This transition marks a new era for Indian cricket as they prepare for their next major challenge: the Asia Cup in the UAE next month.