In the summer of 2025, Indian cricket fans witnessed a defining moment in the career of Shubman Gill, the young Test captain who has taken the cricketing world by storm. Leading India in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, Gill etched his name into the annals of cricket history by scoring back-to-back centuries in the first two Test matches of the series. His extraordinary performances at Headingley, Leeds, and Edgbaston, Birmingham, have not only silenced critics but also drawn comparisons with Indian cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli, and Sachin Tendulkar. This article delves into Gill’s sensational form, the records he has shattered, and the impact of his leadership on India’s Test campaign in England as of July 12, 2025.
A Captain’s Arrival: Gill’s Meteoric Rise
Shubman Gill, appointed India’s 37th Test captain on May 24, 2025, faced immense pressure stepping into the leadership role at the age of 25. With a modest Test average of 14.66 in England prior to the tour, doubts lingered about his ability to perform in challenging overseas conditions. However, Gill has defied expectations, showcasing maturity, class, and an insatiable appetite for runs. His back-to-back centuries in the first two Tests against England have placed him among an elite group of Indian captains, including Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli, who achieved this feat in their first two matches as skipper.
Gill’s first century came in the opening Test at Headingley, where he scored a sparkling 147, setting the tone for India’s batting despite a five-wicket loss. Undeterred, he led from the front in the second Test at Edgbaston, scoring an unbeaten 114 on the first day and following it up with a monumental 269 in the first innings and a fluent 161 in the second. This performance culminated in India’s historic 336-run victory at Edgbaston, their first Test win at the venue. His ability to deliver under pressure has earned praise from cricketing luminaries, including Sachin Tendulkar, who described Gill’s knock as “shub-lime” and lauded his leadership.
Record-Breaking Feats at Edgbaston
Gill’s Edgbaston heroics were nothing short of historic. His double century of 269 in the first innings made him the first Indian and Asian captain to score a double hundred in a Test match in England, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s previous record of 221 at The Oval in 1979. This knock, which took 311 deliveries and included 11 fours and 3 sixes, placed Gill alongside Indian captains like MAK Pataudi, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni, who have scored double centuries. Notably, only Virat Kohli, with seven double tons as captain, has more.
In the second innings at Edgbaston, Gill added a century of 161, becoming only the third Indian captain to score centuries in both innings of a Test match, joining Sunil Gavaskar (1978) and Virat Kohli (2014). His aggregate of 369 runs in the Edgbaston Test set a new record for the most runs by an Indian in a single Test match, overtaking Gavaskar’s 344 against the West Indies in 1971. Furthermore, Gill’s involvement in three 100-plus partnerships in the match—only the second Indian to achieve this against England after Karun Nair in 2016—underscored his ability to anchor the innings while building substantial stands.
Gill’s performances have also seen him surpass MS Dhoni’s tally of 16 international centuries, achieving this milestone in just 110 matches compared to Dhoni’s 538. At 25, Gill joins an elite group of players, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root, with more international centuries at this age. His rapid century pace and 5,361 runs signal the rise of a generational batting force.
Joining Cricketing Legends
Gill’s back-to-back centuries have placed him in the company of cricketing greats. He became the second Indian captain to score centuries in both the first and second Tests in England, following Mohammad Azharuddin’s feat in 1990 at Lord’s and Old Trafford. Additionally, Gill is only the ninth visiting captain—and the second Indian—to score centuries in the first two Tests of a series in England, alongside legends like Don Bradman, Garfield Sobers, and Graeme Smith. His double century also made him the first player in history to score a double hundred in both Tests and ODIs at the age of 25, a testament to his versatility across formats.
Comparisons with Virat Kohli have been inevitable. Gill’s career trajectory mirrors Kohli’s in several ways, from their Under-19 World Cup heroics to their Test captaincy achievements. Both have scored centuries across all formats, reached top ODI rankings, and led India to Test wins in England after declaring in the third innings—a rare strategic move. Kohli himself praised Gill, calling him “star boy” for his aura and leadership.
The Edgbaston Masterclass and Tactical Acumen
Gill’s Edgbaston performance was not just about personal milestones; it showcased his tactical nous as captain. After India’s loss at Headingley, where dropped catches proved costly, Gill emphasized the importance of fielding, stating, “Catches win matches.” At Edgbaston, India bounced back, with Gill’s centuries setting the stage for a commanding lead. Supported by valuable contributions from KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, and a six-wicket haul from Akash Deep, India secured a 336-run victory.
A lighthearted exchange with England’s Harry Brook during the match added a touch of humor to Gill’s dominance. When Brook suggested a draw due to impending rain, Gill’s epic reply, coupled with his relentless batting, ensured India maintained control. His ability to perform under pressure while maintaining composure has drawn praise from former England captain Nasser Hussain, who likened Gill to Joe Root but suggested he is better suited to batting at No. 3 rather than No. 4.
Looking Ahead: Chasing Bradman’s Records
With three Tests remaining in the series, Gill has a golden opportunity to break more records. His 585 runs in just four innings position him to challenge Sir Don Bradman’s record for the most runs in a Test series as captain. Additionally, he could surpass Clyde Walcott’s record of five centuries in a single Test series, a feat Bradman also holds as a captain. As India prepares for the third Test at Lord’s, Gill’s form and leadership will be crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum.
Last Updated on Saturday, July 12, 2025 6:45 am by Mahitha Ventrapati
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