The historic Oval in London set the stage for another dramatic chapter in the England versus India rivalry, as the fifth and final Test commenced on July 31, 2025. With the series and pride on the line, both teams approached this contest with nerves on edge, further heightened by overcast London skies and a green-tinged wicket. England, opting to field first, looked to exploit lively conditions while the Indian , led top order by captain Shubman Gill, braced for a stern examination. However, it was Gill’s own moment of carelessness that would dominate the day’s conversation—and enrage Indian supporters across the globe.
Shubman Gill goes packing after his nightmare of a run out on Day 1 of Oval Test
In international cricket, a split-second lapse can turn into a saga. For Gill, it was the 28th over, minutes after play resumed between rain interruptions. Facing Gus Atkinson, Gill played softly towards the off-side and impulsively set off for a single—a call that seemed ill-advised from the outset. Sai Sudharsan hesitated and stopped, but Gill was already halfway down the pitch and, in his desperate attempt to return, slipped on the damp surface. Atkinson, sharp as ever, swooped in, sent the stumps flying with a direct hit, and left Gill stranded for 21 runs off 35 balls. The Oval fell silent except for English cheers, while television cameras caught Indian fans gasping in disbelief. Social media instantly lit up with furious reactions, the phrase “brain fade” trending as fans vented at their captain’s bizarre decision. For Gill, the moment was doubly bitter, having become only the second time he’s been run out in his Test /career, both against England.
Here’sn how fans reacted:
Shubman Gill run out – a big moment in the game. pic.twitter.com/frFDGvJwEk
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 31, 2025
Indian fans watching Shubman Gill run out#IndvsEng pic.twitter.com/pi3FBqgxmu
— Rajabets (@rajabetsindia) July 31, 2025
Shubman Gill run out pic.twitter.com/30Kij7PPRd
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) July 31, 2025
Shubman Gill After Run Out – pic.twitter.com/dMcmPvHVP0
— Incognito Cricket (@Incognitocric) July 31, 2025
DISASTER for India
Gus Atkinson makes no mistake and Shubman Gill is RUN OUT
— Shyam Patel (@NVsampatel) July 31, 2025
5:23 PM :- Rain & Early lunch
7:50 PM :- Shubman Gill run out
8:00 PM :- RainLe ICT fans to rain :- pic.twitter.com/MeTGxzs6eL
— Memes collector (@memescollector9) July 31, 2025
‘Absolute madness!’ – Gill gifts England easy run out – Gus Atkinson punishes Shubman Gill’s attempt at a quick single by running India’s captain out for 21 to leave the tourists on 83-3 on day one of the fifth Test at The Oval. via @BBC https://t.co/XoT1YiqmlH pic.twitter.com/vrhMjnCV74
— Viking Resistance (@VikingFBR) July 31, 2025
That Rishabh Pant run out cost India the 3rd Test. This Shubman Gill run out, I dare say, may cost India this series #IndvsEng
— Avinesh Pal (@pal16805) July 31, 2025
There wasn’t any need to take that run. Huge breakthrough for England as Shubman Gill departs, run out by Atkinson. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/JzKxcdj89p
— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) July 31, 2025
A single that never existed, and Shubman Gill pays the price.
That run out could haunt India.#INDvENG #ShubmanGillpic.twitter.com/nKHmrH1G7H
— Lalit Kaur Dhillon (@LalitKaur) July 31, 2025
Also WATCH: England crowd mocks Shubman Gill after disastrous run-out cuts his innings short on Day 1 of Oval Test
India in turmoil under rain and pressure from England bowlers
If Gill’s run out was the day’s headline, the supporting tale was one of persistent England dominance from the ball. India’s batting card at tea told its own story: 85/3 after 29 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (2) and KL Rahul (14) already back in the pavilion thanks to probing spells by Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes. Sudharsan remained not out on 28, joined by Karun Nair (0*), but partnerships proved fleeting amid the seaming, bouncing ball.
The stop-start nature of the contest, punctuated by wet ground and persistent drizzle, gave little respite to the batters. Each time play resumed, England’s bowlers emerged refreshed, hunting for lateral movement and mistakes. That Gill’s dismissal came so soon after a rain break only made the calamity sting sharper for India. The fall of the captain, just as he was starting to form a stabilizing partnership, seemed to sum up India’s fortunes: progress thwarted by moments of lapse and misfortune. With extras (20) nearly keeping pace with individual batters and only three wickets in hand at tea, India had their backs against the wall on a testing first day.
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Top 5 Indian captains with most runs in a Test series ft. Shubman Gill
