Shubman Gill has etched his name in cricket history by becoming only the second Indian cricketer, after the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, to score a double century and a century in the same Test match. This remarkable feat occurred during the ongoing second Test against England in Birmingham.
Gill's incredible performance saw him score 269 runs in the first innings, setting a new personal best and a high benchmark for Indian captains. He followed it up with a brilliant century in the second innings, further solidifying his place among the cricketing elite. Gavaskar achieved this milestone in 1971 against the West Indies, scoring 124 and 220 runs.
With this achievement, Gill joins an exclusive club of nine batsmen worldwide who have managed this rare double of a double century and a century in the same Test. The other members of this esteemed list include Doug Walters, Lawrence Rowe, Greg Chappell, Graham Gooch, Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara, and Marnus Labuschagne. Doug Walters from Australia was the first to score a double century and a century in the same Test match, achieving the feat in February 1969 against the West Indies. Lawrence Rowe was the first player to score a double century and a century in a single Test on his debut match, which he did against New Zealand in February 1972.
Gill's achievement is even more remarkable considering his recent assumption of the Indian Test captaincy. His scores of 269 and 100* have put India in a commanding position in the second Test against England. This performance underscores his growing stature in the sport and his potential to lead India to future victories.
Prior to Gill, Virat Kohli held the record for the highest Test score by an Indian captain with 254 against South Africa in 2019. Gill's 269 has now surpassed this milestone, establishing him as a record-breaker.
Only a select few Indian captains have achieved a double century in a Test match, including MAK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and now Shubman Gill. Gill is also the first Asian captain to register a double century in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia).
Gill's journey to this milestone has been marked by consistent performances and a strong work ethic. He rose to prominence with 418 runs in the 2018 U19 World Cup and has since become a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup. His ability to perform under pressure and his aggressive yet calculated approach have made him a valuable asset to the team.
As India looks to secure a rare victory at Edgbaston, where they have historically struggled, Gill's form and leadership will be crucial. His performance in this Test match has not only cemented his place in history but has also given India a golden opportunity to dominate the series.