Archan Mehta
In the world of Test cricket, every now and then a performance comes along that doesn’t just win a match, it shifts narratives. Gill’s dominant display was exactly that, marking the transformation of a promising youngster into a commanding leader and a genuine contender for the throne of Indian cricket. Not only did he rack up a staggering 430 runs in the match, becoming the first Indian to score both a double century and a 150 in the same Test but he did so with an authority that demanded attention, not just for the weight of runs, but for his sharp cricketing brain and calm, calculated leadership. Shubman Gill turned the second Test at Edgbaston into his LinkedIn profile: Captain. Record-breaker. Bazball disruptor.
That sense of authority extended into his captaincy, which felt remarkably natural. In stark contrast to the previous Test where India’s leadership looked muddled, Gill took control with composed assertiveness. His on-field presence was evident—adjusting field placements confidently, making bold bowling changes, and executing a clear tactical plan. His decision to stretch India’s first innings across 151 overs wasn’t just about building a big score; it was about mentally and physically exhausting England. By denying them the chance to dictate the pace, Gill exposed a rare vulnerability in the Bazball strategy: their discomfort when forced to play the long game.
This strategic approach reflected not only awareness but vision. From assigning Akash Deep a specific end for maximum early-morning impact to using the short-ball tactic as the ball softened, Gill’s moves were thoughtful and bold. More importantly, they were effective. He clearly believes in action over history, stating he doesn’t focus on past records like India’s winless run at Edgbaston but rather on the potential of his current squad. His guiding principle of “putting the team ahead of yourself” was visible in every decision, particularly in how he sacrificed personal milestones to serve the broader match strategy. He wasn’t just captaining the side; he was elevating it.
Still, for all his captaincy accolades, it was with the bat that Gill truly roared onto the global stage. His 269 in the first innings was a tutorial in composure, control, and classical technique. With over 93% control across nearly 400 deliveries, he gave England little more than hope and frustration. His footwork was precise, his hands close to his body, his head still, and his bat-pad gap nonexistent, a technical masterclass. More astonishing was his adaptability: just weeks after playing in the frenetic tempo of the IPL, he transitioned seamlessly into the patience-demanding arena of Test cricket. And if 269 wasn’t enough, he followed it up with a second-innings 161 that looked just as sharp. After playing that many deliveries, most players need a nap, Gill just needed another hundred. He knows how to cash in and get a “daddy hundred” when the conditions are favorable..
This all comes at a pivotal time for Indian cricket. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma gradually stepping back from the Test spotlight, Gill looks more than ready to take up the mantle. His numbers in this series already echo Kohli’s early captaincy days, but what sets Gill apart is how effortlessly he handles the pressures that come with leadership. He remains unfazed, whether he’s facing a fired-up bowling attack or making a tough declaration call. His calm demeanor, paired with a hunger to lead from the front, is what draws comparisons to the greats—but it’s his originality that’s truly exciting. He’s not copying a blueprint; he’s drafting his own.
Shubman Gill isn’t just filling big shoes, he’s designing his own limited-edition sneakers.
Archan Mehta is a writer dedicated to telling compelling stories about athletes, teams, and the world of cricket
