India’s Winless Curse at Old Trafford – Can Gill’s Team Make History in 4th Test?
India vs England 4th Test 2025: Can Shubman Gill’s Men Break the Manchester Jinx?
The fourth Test of the high-octane India vs England series will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to 27, 2025. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line and India trailing 1-2, the upcoming clash is a must-win for the Shubman Gill-led side to keep their series hopes alive.
This five-match series has already delivered thrilling moments, but the spotlight now shifts to Manchester, where India have a daunting history to overcome.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy: A New Era in Test Cricket
Before the start of the first Test in Leeds, this celebrated bilateral series was renamed as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy—honoring England’s greatest fast bowler James Anderson and India’s batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar.
The new trophy adds emotional value, legacy, and significance to the clash, making it more than just a series win—it’s about history, pride, and legacy.
India Trail 1-2: What’s at Stake in Manchester?
After three tough battles, India find themselves on the back foot with England holding a 2-1 lead in the series. Despite standout individual performances with both bat and ball, Team India hasn’t been able to convert effort into victories consistently.
Now, the stage is set at Old Trafford, where the stakes couldn’t be higher: win, and keep the series alive; lose, and hand the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to the hosts.
India’s Winless Record at Old Trafford, Manchester
Old Trafford hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for India. In fact, India have never won a Test match in Manchester, having played 9 Tests here since 1936. Here’s a closer look at India’s record at this venue:
📊 India’s Test Record at Old Trafford:
| Year | Result | Margin | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 | Draw | — | Maharajah of Vizianagram |
| 1946 | Draw | — | Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi |
| 1952 | Defeat | Innings & 207 runs | Vijay Hazare |
| 1959 | Defeat | 171 runs | Datta Gaekwad |
| 1971 | Draw | — | Ajit Wadekar |
| 1974 | Defeat | 113 runs | Ajit Wadekar |
| 1982 | Draw | — | Sunil Gavaskar |
| 1990 | Draw | — | Mohammad Azharuddin |
| 2014 | Defeat | Innings & 54 runs | MS Dhoni |
Despite nine attempts, India has lost four times and drawn five Tests at Old Trafford. The odds—and history—are against them. But if there’s any time to rewrite the narrative, it’s now.
What India Needs to Do to Win
To emerge victorious in Manchester, India’s top order must fire, and the pace attack needs to strike early on a seam-friendly Old Trafford pitch. The decision to include or rest Jasprit Bumrah and how India balance their bowling attack could prove decisive.
Shubman Gill’s captaincy will also come under the spotlight as he leads a side chasing history at one of England’s fortress venues.
History Beckons at Old Trafford
With the series and legacy on the line, the India vs England 4th Test at Manchester promises to be an intense battle. Can India overcome 89 years of disappointment at Old Trafford? Or will England seal the series with one match to spare?
One thing’s for certain — cricket fans worldwide will be glued to their screens as history is either rewritten or repeated.
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