- Shubman Gill scored a record-breaking 269 runs.
- He broke Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 241 runs.
- Gill became the first Indian captain to score a double century in England.
- India’s bowlers put England in a precarious position at 77-3.
Gill’s Historic Innings Breaks Tendulkar’s Record
Shubman Gill, captain of India, etched his name in the record books during the second Test against England, scoring an impressive 269 runs at Edgbaston. This remarkable feat allows Gill to become the first Indian cricketer to surpass 250 runs outside the Indian subcontinent, overtaking the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record of 241 runs. Besides that, he also set a new benchmark for Indian captains, going beyond Virat Kohli’s highest mark of 254. With England struggling significantly at 77-3, trailing by 510 runs as day two unfolded, it’s clear Gill’s innings shifted momentum entirely in India’s favor.
Early Breaks Secure India’s Dominance
On Thursday, the Indian bowlers were on fire early on in the day, with Akash Deep snaring two wickets in quick succession, setting an aggressive tone for the team. Mohammed Siraj then took charge, dismantling England’s top order; leaving them in disarray at merely 25-3. Gill, in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, emphasized the importance of solid fielding—an aspect that cost India in the first Test. The captain’s perspective improved morale as they regrouped and executed a game plan that revolved around accumulating runs and pressuring the opposition. England’s tail-end made some headway as Harry Brook and Joe Root formed a partnership, but ultimately the day belonged to the visitors.
Gill Sets New Standards with Fearless Batting
Gill’s stunning performance cannot be understated. From the onset of the match, he cruised through the overs, exhibiting an exceptional range of shots that considerably increased India’s total on a batting-friendly track. After starting the day at 310-5, Gill partnered with Ravindra Jadeja to establish a formidable 203-run partnership before Jadeja fell to a bouncer from Josh Tongue. The big milestone came when the crowd erupted as Gill surpassed 250 runs, showcasing not only his maturity but also great technique under pressure. This display of skills undoubtedly positions Gill as a pioneer of sorts, blending elegance with aggressive stroke play, a delight for cricket fans watching worldwide. Post his wicket, India’s extended batting lineup struggled slightly, adding just another 13 runs, but that didn’t take away from Gill’s monumental day on the field.
In summary, Shubman Gill set multiple records with his outstanding innings of 269 runs, becoming the first Indian to score over 250 outside the subcontinent. His performance provided a substantial lead for India as they took control of the match. With early wickets by India’s bowlers following his innings, it appears they’re on a firm path to level the series against England.