The atmosphere at Old Trafford in Manchester took a dramatic turn during the final session of Day 2 in the third Test, as England fans made their feelings loud and clear. The moment came when Ben Stokes trapped Shubman Gill leg-before-wicket, delivering a crucial blow to India. As Gill walked off the field, he was met with a chorus of boos that echoed across the stadium. It was an intense reaction, one that highlighted the tension building throughout the series.
Gill’s reception wasn’t entirely unexpected. During the course of the third Test, the young Indian batter had been involved in a few on-field spats with England players, which likely added to the crowd’s disapproval.
These confrontations, although not overly aggressive, seemed to have left a mark on the local supporters, who used his dismissal as a moment to vent their frustration. The boos were not just about the wicket—it was personal, and it reflected the passion of the Manchester crowd.
However, the mood inside the ground shifted swiftly. Moments after Gill’s dismissal, Rishabh Pant walked in to bat, and the crowd’s tone transformed completely. As Pant strode to the crease, he was greeted with a wave of applause and loud cheers that stood in sharp contrast to the earlier boos. It was a moment that underscored Pant’s growing popularity, even among rival fans.
Pant’s flamboyant and fearless style of play has earned him admiration around the world, and his ability to entertain has clearly struck a chord with English fans too. His previous match-winning performances and humorous on-field antics have made him a crowd favorite, regardless of national allegiance. The cheers were not just polite applause—they were full-throated approval from a crowd eager for excitement.
Manchester crowd knows the difference between a Real Generational talent and a Flat Track Statpadder
— Current Cricket (@newsbox1111) July 23, 2025
They were booing during Shubman Gill's entry and cheering during Rishabh Pant's entry 😭😭😭😭🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/sYQfzhs29h
The entire Manchester crowd is cheering and singing a song for Rishabh Pant! ❤️🔥
— RP17 Gang™ (@RP17Gang) July 23, 2025
The India's new SUPERSTAR! 🇮🇳🐐 pic.twitter.com/iQ7Mw1Y1h3
This contrasting treatment of two Indian players highlighted how quickly fortunes and perceptions can change in the world of cricket. While Gill faced the wrath of a passionate English crowd, Pant enjoyed a hero’s welcome. It was a session that not only swung in terms of cricketing action but also reflected the emotions and drama that make Test cricket so enthralling.