Shubman Gill etched his name in cricketing history on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, during the first Test match against England. The young captain, leading India for the first time in the longest format, crafted a magnificent century, joining an elite club of Indian captains who have achieved this rare feat on their Test debut. Gill's composed and confident innings not only solidified India's position in the match but also signaled the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket, following the recent retirements of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R. Ashwin.
India won the toss and elected to bat first on a green pitch. The decision initially seemed well-founded as the opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal started strongly, putting on a 91-run partnership. However, England fought back, claiming two quick wickets before lunch, with Rahul falling for 42 and debutant Sai Sudharsan dismissed for a duck.
Walking in at a crucial juncture with the score at 92/2, Shubman Gill, the new captain, shouldered the responsibility of steadying the innings. He found a reliable partner in Yashasvi Jaiswal, and together, they forged a vital 129-run partnership. While Jaiswal continued his impressive form, reaching his own century, Gill showcased a blend of elegance and resilience.
Gill reached his half-century off just 56 balls, demonstrating his intent to keep the scoreboard ticking. His innings was characterized by trademark drives and confident footwork against both pace and spin. He brought up his century in 140 deliveries, decorated with 14 boundaries, marking a memorable moment in his nascent captaincy career.
With this century, Shubman Gill becomes only the fifth Indian to score a century on his Test captaincy debut. The distinguished list includes Vijay Hazare (164 vs England, 1951), Sunil Gavaskar (116 vs New Zealand, 1976), Dilip Vengsarkar (103 vs West Indies, 1987), and Virat Kohli (115 & 141 vs Australia, 2014). Gill's achievement is even more remarkable considering his young age. At 25 years and 285 days, he is the youngest Indian to score a fifty on Test captaincy debut.
Beyond the individual milestone, Gill's century is significant for the message it sends to the Indian dressing room and fans. Leading a team in transition, Gill's composed performance exudes clarity and class, instilling confidence in the team's future.
Adding to the strong start, Yashasvi Jaiswal also shone with a century of his own, further cementing India's dominant position in the Test. Jaiswal's innings was a blend of character and composure, marking his fourth Test century. However, he was later dismissed for 101. Rishabh Pant also contributed with an aggressive knock, smashing the ball over Ben Stokes' head for a boundary.
As play progressed on Day 1, India reached a commanding position of 266/3. Gill remained a steady presence, guiding the innings and setting a strong platform for the rest of the team.
Shubman Gill's century on his Test captaincy debut is a testament to his talent, temperament, and leadership qualities. It is a moment that will be etched in the annals of Indian cricket, and it heralds a promising future for the young captain and the team under his guidance.
Here is the list of Indian captains who have scored a century on their captaincy debut:
