Shubman Gill has created history and joins the list of the bests in cricket. 25-year-old Gill has become the ninth visiting captain and the second Indian to score centuries in first and second Tests of a series in England.
With this feat, Gill joins legendary names like:
- Don Bradman (Australia)
- Garfield Sobers (West Indies)
- Graeme Smith (South Africa)
- Mohammad Azharuddin (India, 1990)
Visiting Captains with Twin Tons in England
| Player | Country | Series Year | 1st Test Score | 2nd Test Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Bradman | Australia | 1938 | 144* (Trent Bridge) | 102* (Lord’s) |
| Alan Melville | South Africa | 1947 | 189 (Trent Bridge) | 117 (Lord’s) |
| Lindsay Hassett | Australia | 1953 | 115 (Trent Bridge) | 104 (Lord’s) |
| Garfield Sobers | West Indies | 1966 | 161 (Old Trafford) | 163* (Lord’s) |
| Bevan Congdon | New Zealand | 1973 | 176 (Trent Bridge) | 175 (Lord’s) |
| Mohammad Azharuddin | India | 1990 | 121 (Lord’s) | 179 (Old Trafford) |
| Graeme Smith | South Africa | 2003 | 277 (Edgbaston) | 259 (Lord’s) |
| Angelo Mathews | Sri Lanka | 2014 | 102 (Lord’s) | 160 (Headingley) |
Gill’s Performance So Far
- First Test: Headingley, Leeds:
- Scored 147 on debut as Test captain
- Displayed composure and command at the crease
- Became the youngest Indian captain to score a century on debut
- Second Test: Edgbaston, Birmingham:
- Struck an unbeaten 114 off 216 balls on Day 1
- Helped India recover from 211–5 to 310–5
- Demonstrated leadership under pressure
Records and Milestones
- 2nd Indian to score hundreds in first two Tests in England (after Azharuddin)
- 4th Indian captain to score back-to-back Test centuries (after Hazare, Gavaskar, Kohli)
- 1st visiting captain since Graeme Smith (2003) to start an England series with twin tons
- 7th overall Test century, 4 of which are overseas
Why This Matters
Shubman Gill’s consistent performance as a newly appointed Test captain is significant because:
- It marks a smooth leadership transition post-Kohli and Rohit Sharma
- Reinforces his role as India’s next-generation anchor
- His innings have been instrumental in stabilizing India’s batting lineup amid collapses
Quick Profile: Shubman Gill
- Age: 25
- Role: Opening batter, Test captain
- Total Test Runs: 2,162
- Average: Around 38+
- Notable Strengths: Technique, temperament, and timing under pressure
Final Word
“Shubman Gill’s back-to-back centuries in England are more than personal triumphs they’re leadership statements.” By joining an exclusive club of legendary visiting captains, Gill has made it clear: the future of Indian Test cricket is in steady hands.
Written by RITESH SINGH
