Shubman Gill's recent record-breaking innings in the second Test against England has sparked considerable discussion, with comparisons being drawn to the achievements of legendary Indian batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. The young captain's performance not only secured a personal milestone but also etched his name in the record books, surpassing feats that eluded even Tendulkar and Kohli during their illustrious careers.
In the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Gill scored a remarkable 269 runs. This monumental innings broke several records, most notably the highest Test score by an Indian captain, previously held by Virat Kohli's 254* against South Africa in 2019. Gill also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's 241 as the highest score by an Indian batsman in a Test match outside Asia. Furthermore, Gill became the first Asian captain to score a double century in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries.
Former England captain Michael Atherton pointed out that neither Tendulkar nor Kohli had achieved a double century in England, a feat now accomplished by Gill. Tendulkar's highest score in England was 193 at Headingley in 2002, while Kohli's best was 149 at Edgbaston in 2018. Gill's innings of 269 is now the highest score by an Indian on English soil, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar's 221 at the Oval in 1979.
Gill's achievement places him in an elite group of Indian captains who have scored double centuries in Test cricket, including Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. At 25 years old, Gill is the second-youngest Indian captain to score a Test double century, behind Pataudi.
This record-breaking innings is particularly significant considering Gill's prior struggles in England, where his Test average was a modest 14.66. Critics had questioned his elevation to captaincy, especially after he was dropped for a Test against Australia earlier in the year. However, his performance in the ongoing series has silenced those doubts, with a composed 147 at Headingley followed by the stunning innings at Edgbaston.
With this double century, Gill has entered the top 10 list of highest individual scores for India in Test history. He now holds the seventh position, surpassing names like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. The list is currently topped by Virender Sehwag's 319 against South Africa in 2008.
Sachin Tendulkar holds numerous records in Test cricket, including the most runs (15,921), most centuries (51), and most matches played (200). Virat Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in May, also had an outstanding Test career, amassing 9,230 runs in 123 matches with 30 centuries. Kohli also holds the record for the most double centuries as a Test captain, with seven.
Shubman Gill has played 33 Test matches, scoring 2,048 runs at an average of 37. While he still has a long way to go to match the career statistics of Tendulkar and Kohli, his recent performance indicates his potential to become a dominant force in Test cricket.
Gill's record-breaking innings not only establishes him as a key player in the Indian team but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career as a captain. With India aiming for a strong position in the World Test Championship, Gill's form will be crucial.
