2025-07-04T01:01:00Z

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In a stunning display of skill and determination, Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill has etched his name into the annals of cricket history with a remarkable double century during the second Test match against England at Edgbaston. At just 25 years old, Gill’s innings of 269 runs not only showcased his supreme confidence but also shattered multiple records, making him the highest scoring Indian captain in Test matches, and the youngest to achieve such a feat.

This monumental performance came as part of India's first innings total of 587, putting England in a precarious position by the end of Day 2, reeling at 77 for 3, and trailing by a staggering 510 runs. Gill's double century was not just a personal milestone; it was a significant moment in Indian cricket history. He surpassed the previous record held by Virat Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019, becoming the second Indian captain to hit a double hundred in an overseas Test match.

Gill's achievement is remarkable, especially considering the historical context. He now holds the highest score by an Indian batter in England, surpassing the legendary Sunil Gavaskar's 221 at The Oval in 1979 and Rahul Dravid's 217 in 2002. Furthermore, not only is Gill's 269 the highest Test score by an Indian outside Asia, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar’s 241* at Sydney in 2004, but it is also the third-highest score by an Indian in away Tests, trailing only Virender Sehwag’s 309 against Pakistan in Multan and Dravid’s 270 in Rawalpindi.

Gill's performance solidified his standing among cricketing greats. He is one of only five players in history—alongside Sehwag, Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and Chris Gayle—to score double centuries in both Test and ODI formats. Moreover, at Edgbaston, only Graeme Smith (277) and Zaheer Abbas (274) have scored more as visiting batters, with Gill’s innings now ranking as the third-highest score at that venue by a tourist.

Post-match, Gill reflected on his preparations leading up to the series, stating, “I worked on a few things before the series. Looking at the results, they are working for me.” His confidence is palpable, especially as he became one of only seven players to hit centuries in each of their first two Tests as captain, joining the ranks of Indian legends such as Vijay Hazare, Gavaskar, and Kohli.

At an age of 25 years and 298 days, Gill is also the second-youngest Indian captain to score a double century, with only the iconic MAK Pataudi achieving this at a younger age. Graeme Smith holds the record for the youngest captain overall to score a double century in England, having done so twice in 2003 at just 22 years old.

As India looks to build on this massive first-innings total, Gill’s remarkable feat will undoubtedly inspire his teammates and fans alike, marking a significant chapter in the Indian cricket narrative.