Shubman Gill's recent performance in the Test series against England has cemented his position as a key figure in Indian cricket, drawing high praise from veteran cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. Gill's remarkable run tally of 754 runs in the series has not only made headlines but has also sparked discussions about his unique qualities and potential impact on the future of Indian cricket.
Gavaskar himself has lauded Gill's performance, stating that his 754 runs with the added responsibility of captaincy are more valuable than his own record of 774 runs scored against the West Indies in 1971. He emphasized the pressure Gill faced as captain, compared to his own debut series where he felt less burdened. Gavaskar went on to say that, as a captain, to score 750-plus runs is making a difference to his side's fortunes.
Gill's performance in England was nothing short of exceptional. Throughout the five-match series, Gill amassed 754 runs at an average of 75.40, including four centuries. Gill also became the first Asian batter to score over 700 runs in a Test series in England. Gill started the series with a magnificent 147 at Leeds and followed it up with knocks of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston, registering the second highest aggregate in a Test (430 runs) which also earned him the Player of the Match award. He further scored another century in the fourth Test (103) to help India draw the match.
Several records were broken and milestones achieved during this series: Gill became the first Indian batter with a double century and a 150-run knock in the same match. He set the record for the highest score by an Indian captain in Test cricket and the highest score by an Indian batter in Tests in England. He is joint-second in the list of most hundreds in a bilateral Test series. Gill also set the record for most runs by an Indian batter in a Test match (430) during the Edgbaston Test.
Gavaskar presented Gill with a personalized shirt bearing his initials "SG" and a special autographed cap. Gavaskar told Gill that he had a gift for him in anticipation of him going past the record and that he should use it as motivation for the next series. He also added that the cap he gave to Gill was only given to very few people with his signature.
Shubman Gill's journey to success is marked by dedication and hard work. Gill dominated youth cricket, breaking records and leading India to victory in the ICC Men's U19 World Cup in 2018. Gill has also made centuries in all formats of international cricket.
Shubman Gill has already established himself as one of the best Indian openers, as evidenced by his impressive performances in the IPL. Gill's ability to perform well against high pace and bounce is a significant advantage, although he needs to improve his game against swing. Gill's performance has had a significant impact on India's chances across all three formats.
Gill's success in England demonstrates his adaptability and temperament in challenging conditions. His ability to convert fifties into hundreds showcases his concentration and hunger for big scores. Moreover, his leadership qualities have shone through, solidifying his place as a future leader in Indian cricket. With a strong foundation and a promising future, Shubman Gill is well on his way to becoming a legend in the game.