India captain Shubman Gill has said that leading India to their first ever Test win over England at Edgbaston will remain one of his “happiest memories” whenever the time comes for him to retire.

“This is something that I would cherish for the rest of my life; probably whenever I retire, I think this would be one of my happiest memories,” Gill said in a video posted by BCCI.

Gill credited the all-round performance of the team for India’s win. “I was meant to take the last catch of this match, and I am very content and happy that how we were able to finish this match. There are three more important matches to go. I think it’s good because the momentum is now with us,” he said, adding that all Indian players understood their responsibility.

“The way everyone came in and contributed with the ball and bat is a huge positive. When there are different people stepping up and different people performing at different stages, that’s what you want. That’s what makes a champion team, and those were some great signs for us,” said Gill.

The Indian skipper complimented his teammates in his address in the dressing room. “We have worked very hard to win this position. Over the past six to eight months, I knew how hard it was to be able to get a Test win, especially to do it here where we haven’t won a Test match ever. I just want to say that I’m very proud of you, everyone, because I think on Day One, we mentioned it’s going to take each and every one of us to win a Test match, especially here in this country, and everyone contributed,” Gill said.

Talking about the performance of Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, Siraj said, “To be honest, it was an important match of an important series. As a player, it feels great to create such memorable moments and history. Whenever Akash was bowling, I was positioned at mid-off. I was telling him don’t just go after taking wickets, keep bowling in one area and you will get the wickets. I had said in the first innings that if he has a five-for in his fate, he will get it. Look, he got one in the second innings.”

Rating this victory as the third biggest of his career, he said, “This is the third best match of my life. First was Gabba, then Lord’s and now this. I cannot describe this feeling,” he said.

Akash Deep said he is proud with his contribution to the team’s win. “The biggest thing is that I took five wickets and our team won. I would not be as happy had I taken a maiden five-for and the game ended in a draw,” he said.

Referring to India’s rather unimpressive overseas record, India vice-captain Rishabh Pant said, “We want to defy the past. The last time we came here, the task was incomplete at Edgbaston, and we are happy that we have been able to achieve it,” he said.

Gill slams Dukes, seeks something for bowlers in pitches to keep game’s essence in tact

Referring to the flat pitches in the first two matches, Gill opined on Sunday that pitches should have something for the bowlers to maintain the essence of the game.

He also criticised the fast deteriorating nature of the Dukes ball. “It is very difficult for the bowlers. I think more than the wicket, maybe the ball is out of shape very quickly. It gets soft very quickly. It is very difficult to get a wicket in such conditions, when there is nothing there,” he said.

“If you know that only the first 20 overs or something will happen, after that you are on the defensive all day, you are thinking all day about how to stop the runs. Then the essence of the game comes out of it,” he added.