Shubman Gill, the Indian Test captain, etched his name in cricket's record books with a magnificent century in the fourth Test against England in Manchester. This remarkable feat not only secured a crucial innings for his team but also propelled him into the esteemed company of legendary cricketers like Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli.
Gill's century in Manchester was his fourth of the series, a milestone achieved by only two other captains in Test history: Don Bradman (1947/48) and Sunil Gavaskar (1978/79). This achievement highlights Gill's exceptional form and leadership qualities, solidifying his position as a dominant force in international cricket.
The significance of Gill's innings extends beyond mere statistics. Walking in with India struggling at 0/2, he displayed remarkable composure and resilience under immense pressure. His 188-run partnership with KL Rahul was instrumental in steadying the Indian innings and narrowing the deficit against England's formidable score. Gill's ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his elegant strokeplay, has drawn comparisons to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who also scored a memorable Test hundred at Old Trafford in 1990.
Furthermore, Gill's achievement places him among the few Indian batsmen to have scored over 700 runs in a Test series. In the process, Gill surpassed Virat Kohli's record for most runs in England as a captain. Sunil Gavaskar holds the record for most runs in a Test series for India, with 774 runs against the West Indies in 1970/71. Gill's consistency and hunger for runs have made him a formidable opponent for any bowling attack.
Gill's journey to cricketing stardom has been marked by several milestones. In August 2022, he scored his maiden international century in an ODI against Zimbabwe, showcasing his talent across all formats of the game. Gill reached his century off 82 balls and was eventually dismissed for 130 off 97 balls. In that same match, he formed a 140-run partnership with Ishan Kishan. In February 2025, he became the fastest player to reach 2,500 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat in just 50 innings. Gill has also captained the Indian Cricket Team for a five-match series against Zimbabwe, which India won 4-1.
Shubman Gill's recent exploits in Manchester have not only broken records but have also cemented his place among the modern-day greats of cricket. His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his elegant strokeplay and leadership qualities, makes him a valuable asset to the Indian team. As he continues his cricketing journey, fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate the new heights this talented batsman will scale, further enriching the legacy of Indian cricket.