Gill, Crawley Clash in Fiery End to Day 3; KL Rahul Calls It ‘Part of the Game’

Tensions flared on Day 3 of the India vs England Test as Indian opener Shubman Gill lost his cool over perceived time-wasting tactics by England’s Zak Crawley during the final minutes of play.

After defending a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah, Crawley took off his gloves and summoned the physio, shaking his hand in discomfort—moves that enraged Gill, who responded with visible anger, expletives, and obscene gestures. The two players had to be separated after a heated exchange.

The drama was not limited to the field. Post-match, India’s stand-in skipper KL Rahul addressed the incident, saying the team had hoped to bowl two final overs before stumps, with six minutes left on the clock. “It’s a no-brainer that any team will try for two overs. We wanted that one late wicket,” he explained.

Rahul acknowledged the strategic importance of such moments. “A wicket at the end of the day would’ve rattled England. Even without it, we’ll be fired up tomorrow,” he said.

Despite the confrontation, Rahul expressed some empathy for Crawley. “As an opening batter, I know what was going on. Everyone does. But I also understand why he did what he did.”

The on-field altercation added to an already charged series as both teams continue their battle for dominance in the multi-Test contest.