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The stage was set at Edgbaston, Birmingham, as India faced England in the 2nd Test of their 2025 tour. England, opting to field first, watched as India posted a commanding 310/5 at stumps on Day 1, thanks in large part to a sublime century from their young captain, Shubman Gill. The match, starting July 2, 2025, not only marked a crucial moment in the series but also saw Gill etch his name alongside legends by scoring a second consecutive century in his first two Tests as captain.
Shubman Gill’s effortless brilliance at the Edgebaston Test on Day 1
Gill’s knock at Birmingham was a masterclass in composure and strokeplay. Coming off a century in his debut Test as captain at Leeds, Gill walked out with the weight of expectations and delivered a fluent, unbeaten 114*. His innings was marked by crisp drives, confident footwork, and an ability to absorb pressure—qualities reminiscent of some of India’s finest leaders. With this hundred, Gill became only the fourth Indian batter to score multiple centuries in his first two Tests as captain, a feat that highlights both his talent and temperament.
Gill’s achievement is even more remarkable considering the context: he joined an elite club of Indian batters to have scored a century at Edgbaston, alongside the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. His back-to-back centuries—147 at Leeds and 114* at Birmingham—signal the arrival of a new leader ready to carry Indian cricket forward.
4 Indian batters with multiple centuries in first two Tests as captain
Only four Indian batters have managed the rare feat of scoring multiple centuries in their first two Tests as captain:
1. Virat Kohli:
Kohli set the benchmark during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring centuries in each of his first three Test innings as captain. His knocks of 115 and 141 in Adelaide, followed by another century, showcased his aggressive intent and ability to lead from the front. Kohli’s captaincy era was defined by his prolific run-scoring—he amassed 20 Test centuries as captain, the most by any Indian skipper, and his hunger for big scores often inspired his team to historic victories.
2. Sunil Gavaskar:
The legendary opener, known for his technical brilliance and steely resolve, scored two centuries in his first two matches as captain. Gavaskar’s leadership was built on consistency and calm under pressure, and his early centuries set the tone for a captaincy tenure that would see him become one of India’s greatest ever batters.
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3. Vijay Hazare:
Hazare, one of the pioneers of Indian cricket, achieved this feat in 1951 against England, with scores of 164* in Delhi and 155 in Mumbai. His centuries came at a time when Indian cricket was still finding its feet on the international stage, and Hazare’s performances as captain provided inspiration for generations to come.
4. Shubman Gill:
By scoring 147 at Leeds and an unbeaten 114 at Birmingham, Gill has joined this illustrious group. His effortless transition into the captaincy role, marked by back-to-back centuries, suggests a bright future for both himself and Indian cricket.
These milestones are not just statistical achievements but statements of intent—moments when leadership and batting brilliance converged to shape the course of Indian cricket.
