In a memorable display of class, temperament, and shot-making, Shubman Gill created history on Day 2 of the second Test between England and India at Edgbaston. The Indian captain, who began the day unbeaten on 114, went on to notch up his maiden double-century in Test cricket, eventually finishing on a monumental 269 — the highest score by an Indian captain in England.
A knock for the ages by Shubman Gill
Gill’s innings was a perfect blend of elegance and grit. He brought up his first-ever 150-plus score and seamlessly converted it into a double-century. The right-hander paced his knock superbly across both days, punishing the bad balls and showing immense patience against quality bowling. His 269 came off 387 deliveries and included 30 boundaries and 3 towering sixes.
With this innings, Gill joined an elite club of Indian batters to score double-centuries in Test matches on English soil. Gill’s score of 269 also shattered the long-standing record of Mohammad Azharuddin’s 179 — which had been the highest score by an Indian Test captain in England for 35 years.
3 Indian players with a double ton in England
Sunil Gavaskar – 221 vs England, The Oval, 1979
Gavaskar’s iconic 221 at The Oval came during the fourth innings of the final Test of the 1979 series. Chasing a mammoth 438 for victory, Gavaskar led India’s charge with a masterclass in timing and patience. His innings, laced with 21 boundaries, nearly pulled off a historic run-chase. India eventually fell short by just 9 runs, but Gavaskar’s knock is still considered one of the finest fourth-innings performances in Test history.
Rahul Dravid – 217 vs England, The Oval, 2002
Dravid showcased his classical technique with a brilliant 217 during the fourth Test at The Oval in 2002. Walking in at a tricky phase, Dravid built his innings with characteristic resilience and calm, anchoring India’s first innings total of 508. His knock helped India draw the Test and level the momentum in what was one of their more competitive away series in England during the early 2000s.
Shubman Gill – 269 vs England, Edgbaston, 2025
Gill announced himself in the league of greats with a record-breaking 269 in the second Test at Edgbaston. Resuming on 114*, the Indian skipper dominated Day 2 with elegant strokeplay and composed aggression. His knock, the highest by an Indian Test captain in England, included a 203-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja and helped India take complete control of the match. Gill’s innings will be remembered for its flair, focus, and historic significance.
