Shubman Gill on Wednesday became only the fourth Indian to register centuries in each of his first two Tests as captain on Day 1 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham. With this remarkable feat, he joins an elite list featuring Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli.
Having already marked his Test captaincy debut in emphatic fashion with a sublime 147 in the first innings at Headingley, Leeds, Gill continued his rich vein of form to deliver yet another statement knock.
The young skipper brought up his hundred in style, steering a delivery from Joe Root to the boundary on the final ball of the 80th over. His innings was a picture of patience and authority, spanning 199 deliveries and embellished with 11 crisp boundaries. It was the seventh time in his career that Gill reached the three-figure mark in Test cricket, but this effort carried a special significance.
Gill’s achievement draws parallels with some of India’s most distinguished cricketing legends. Vijay Hazare was the first to accomplish the rare feat back in 1951. The stylish right-hander scored an unbeaten 164 in his maiden Test as captain against England at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium in November 1951. He followed it up with another monumental knock, compiling 155 runs in the first innings of his second Test as skipper at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium in December that same year.
Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli later emulated Hazare’s landmark, each underlining their credentials as both premier batsmen and inspirational leaders. Now, Gill’s name sits proudly alongside these icons, underscoring the bright future that beckons for Indian cricket under his stewardship.
Gill’s leadership has already showcased a blend of calm assurance and strategic acumen. While his team fell short in the opening Test at Leeds, losing by five wickets, his personal contributions with the bat have stood out as a pillar of India’s fight against a competitive England side.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on how Gill continues to balance his dual responsibilities, anchoring the batting lineup as well as steering India’s tactical ship.
