IND vs ENG: Shubman Gill Scores Hundred as Test Captain, Joins Elite Club With Virat Kohli, and Sunil Gavaskar
Shubman Gill scores century in debut Test as captain, joins Kohli, Gavaskar, and Hazare in elite list at Headingley
India’s new era in Test cricket has begun on a high as Shubman Gill, in his very first match as Test captain, scored a brilliant century against England in the opening game of the five-match series at Headingley, Leeds. With this knock, Gill has joined an elite list that includes Virat Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar, and Vijay Hazare – players who scored a century in their debut innings as India’s Test captain.
Gill Silences Doubts With Stunning Knock
There were many questions raised ahead of the tour about Gill’s place in the Test side and whether he was ready for leadership in red-ball cricket. But the youngster responded in style, scoring his hundred in just 140 deliveries on Day 1 of the 1st Test.
Batting at No. 4, the same spot where Virat Kohli stood tall for more than a decade, Gill took charge with a calm and composed innings. From the very beginning, he looked confident, timing the ball well and putting pressure on the bowlers. His innings was marked by beautiful cover drives, and his false-shot percentage was just 8.5 – a sign of how assured he was throughout the knock.
Gill’s Name Enters Elite List
Here are the Indian players who have scored centuries in their debut innings as Test captain:
- 164* – Vijay Hazare vs England, Delhi 1951
- 116 – Sunil Gavaskar vs New Zealand, Auckland 1976
- 115 – Virat Kohli vs Australia, Adelaide 2014
- 127* – Shubman Gill vs England, Headingley 2025
Gill brought up his hundred with a delightful drive through cover-point, showing great footwork and control. This is also his first Test century in England – a statement knock that underlines his adaptability and class.
India Dominate Day 1
Gill’s century came after a solid start by the openers. Yashasvi Jaiswal, too, impressed with a brilliant 101, making his first hundred in English soil. The pair ensured India stayed on top throughout the day despite losing KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan in the first session.
With Shubman Gill unbeaten at stumps, India have taken the early advantage in the series. The new Test captain has made his mark in style, and fans will now be eager to see how far he can take this team in the rest of the series.
