Shubman Gill Joins Elite Club with Double Century in Edgbaston Test

Indian batting sensation Shubman Gill has made a stellar start to his captaincy journey, delivering one of the most memorable performances in Indian Test cricket history. In the ongoing second Test at Edgbaston, Gill registered a career-best 269 runs, not only leading India from the front but also becoming the highest individual scorer by an Indian Test captain.

Gill’s innings, which included 30 boundaries and three sixes off 387 deliveries, reflects his remarkable temperament and hunger for big scores. The 24-year-old is now the latest entrant to the exclusive club of cricketers who have scored double centuries in both Tests and One Day Internationals (ODIs) a feat achieved by only five players in the history of international cricket.

Double Century Club in Both Formats

Before Shubman Gill, the players who managed to reach this rare milestone are:

• Sachin Tendulkar (India): The pioneer of this record, Tendulkar was the first to score a double century in ODIs, achieving the feat in February 2010 against South Africa. In Tests, he has six double centuries in his legendary career.
• Virender Sehwag (India): Followed Tendulkar with an ODI double century (219) against West Indies in 2011. He also has six double centuries in Tests, including two triple tons.
• Rohit Sharma (India): The only cricketer with three ODI double hundreds – 209, 264, and 208*. Rohit scored a Test double century (212) in 2019 against South Africa in Ranchi.
• Chris Gayle (West Indies): The only non-Indian on the list, Gayle smashed 215 in the 2015 ODI World Cup against Zimbabwe. He also has a double and two triple centuries in Tests.

Now, Shubman Gill adds his name to this distinguished list. He had earlier scored an ODI double century (208) against New Zealand in January 2023 in Hyderabad, and now follows it up with a marathon knock in whites.

Gill’s heroics have put India in complete control of the second Test. After piling up 587 runs in their first innings, thanks largely to his 269-run innings, India’s bowlers made early inroads into England’s batting lineup. At stumps on Day 2, England were struggling at 77/3, trailing by over 500 runs and under immense pressure.

This knock from Shubman Gill not only strengthens India’s position in the match but also sends a clear message about the next generation of Indian leadership. In the absence of established stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gill has stepped up magnificently, both as a batsman and as a captain.

Gill’s name is now firmly etched alongside the greats. Scoring double centuries in both formats is not just about talent it reflects mental strength, adaptability, and consistency across conditions and match situations. His Edgbaston innings is likely to be remembered as a turning point in his career, and perhaps, in Indian cricket’s leadership transition.

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