Shubman Gill joins elite list with centuries in successive Tests
What's the story
Indian captain Shubman Gill has made history by becoming only the second Indian skipper to score centuries in both the first and second Tests of a series in England. His unbeaten 114 on Day 1 at Edgbaston followed his earlier score of 147 at Headingley. This makes him the ninth visiting captain overall, and the second Indian after Mohammad Azharuddin (1990), to achieve this feat.
Captaincy debut
Fourth Indian skipper with this record
Gill's achievements as captain have come at a rapid pace. He is only the fourth Indian skipper to score centuries in his first two Tests as captain, after Virat Kohli, Vijay Hazare, and Sunil Gavaskar. He also became just the second Indian captain to score a century at Edgbaston, joining Kohli. Ravindra Jadeja, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rishabh Pant are the only other Indian centurions at this venue (Tests).
Batting prowess
Third Indian captain with this record
Gill has also become the third India captain to score hundreds in successive Tests against England, after Hazare (1951-52) and Azharuddin (1990). Meanwhile, this was Gill's 7th century in Test cricket. He also owns as many fifties. As per ESPNcricinfo, Gill now owns 4 Test tons against England (50s: 3). Overall, Gill has over 2,140 runs in Tests at 38-plus average. Notably, 900-plus of his runs have come in away matches (home of opposition).
Leadership skills
Gill's innings bolsters India against England
Gill came to bat at 95/2 and absorbed the pressure, stitching a 66-run stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and an unbeaten 99-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (41*). His innings wasn't just about personal milestones but also about steering India through a mid-innings wobble. His efforts meant the visitors finished Day 1 at 310/5. With his century still in progress, Gill now carries not only the hopes of India's batting.