Top 5 Knocks by Shubman Gill Across All Formats
Shubman Gill celebrating his hundred. (X.com)
With a knack for game-changing performances, delightful strokeplay, and impeccable timing, Shubman Gill has become a source of joy for cricket over the past few years. The composed and serene 24-year-old has displayed early signs of brilliance in his relatively brief but impressive international career. Since Gill's debut on the grand stage in 2019, he has consistently been heralded as the next big talent in Indian cricket.
Gill first hogged the spotlight in the U-19 World Cup in 2018. During the tournament, he amassed 372 runs in six matches at an average of 124.00, including one century and three fifties, with a high score of 102 against Pakistan in the semifinals. This performance earned him the title of India's highest run-scorer, second overall, and the 'Player of the Series' award.
In the Test format, Gill has represented India in 18 matches, accumulating 966 runs at an average of 32.20, with two centuries and four fifties, boasting a high score of 128. He rose to prominence during his debut Test series in Australia, particularly in the memorable Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in 2021, where he emerged as one of India's brightest spots amid challenges like Kohli's absence, injuries, and inexperience.
Currently excelling in ODIs, Gill has played 44 matches, amassing 2271 runs at an impressive average of 61.38. His notable achievements include six centuries and 13 fifties, with a personal best of 208. In January, at the age of 23, Gill made history by becoming the youngest double-centurion in ODI cricket, scoring 208 runs against New Zealand in 149 balls, featuring 19 fours and nine sixes.
In T20Is, Gill has featured in 13 matches, scoring 312 runs at an average of 26.00 and a striking rate of 145.12. He has registered a century and a fifty in this format, earning the distinction of being the youngest Indian player to score a century in T20Is. While his stats in T20Is and Tests may not fully reflect his potential, there is no doubt that they will only improve as his career progresses. In his relatively short international journey, Gill has already delivered several memorable performances with the bat, and in this article, we highlight his top five innings on the international stage.
208 vs New Zealand (2023)
Gill became the youngest to score a double hundred in ODIs. (X.com)
Gill was at the peak of his powers when he walked out to bat in Hyderabad against New Zealand earlier this year. Opening for India at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Gill smashed 208 runs from just 149 balls, featuring nine sixes and 19 boundaries.
Commencing with a steady start, Gill took his time before accelerating his strike rate. The right-handed batter reached his half-century in 52 balls. Subsequently, his next 50 runs were scored in 35 deliveries, and he reached the 150-run mark in 122 balls. The Indian opener displayed a remarkable acceleration from 150 to 200 in a mere 23 deliveries, culminating in the completion of his double century with a six off Lockie Ferguson's bowling. Throughout his innings of 208 runs, Shubman Gill set several records, with the most noteworthy being his achievement as the youngest player to score a double century in ODIs, surpassing his good friend Ishan Kishan's previous record.
91 vs Australia (2021)
Gill top-scored for India in the fourth innings of the Gabba Test. (AP)
In the final Test of the series in Brisbane, India required nothing short of a victory for a historic triumph. Ultimately, the task boiled down to chasing 328 runs in the last innings. Rishabh Pant's spirited knock is etched in memory, but preceding him, it was Gill who laid the foundation for the chase with a counter-attacking innings. He bravely faced the new ball.
Gill emerged as India's top run-scorer, crafting 91 runs off 146 deliveries. His innings featured eight boundaries and two sixes. Alongside Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant also played pivotal roles, guiding India to a hard-fought three-wicket win. Throughout his innings, the 21-year-old right-hander showcased excellent form, unleashing several remarkable strokes to keep India in the hunt. Despite the early loss of Rohit Sharma (7) on day five, Gill continued to play his natural game.
126* vs New Zealand (2023)
Gill celebrating his maiden T20I ton. (AP)
Ahead of this series against New Zealand, there were questions raised over Shubman Gill's role in India's T20I squad, with some suggesting that the team should focus on specific formats, particularly ODIs and Tests.
However, the elegant opener silenced critics by showcasing a wide array of shots and the required acceleration to excel as a T20 batter. In a crucial series decider, Gill delivered a stunning performance, scoring an unbeaten 126* off 63 balls. Partnering with Ishan Kishan at the top, Gill faced an early setback as his opening partner departed in the second over. Despite losing No. 3 batsman Rahul Tripathi in the ninth over after a brisk 44 off 22 balls, Gill remained unfazed and capitalized on the favorable batting conditions in Ahmedabad, dominating the Kiwi bowlers. Initially, he executed his shots with precision during the powerplay and later took charge against the New Zealand spinners. After reaching his maiden T20I fifty in 35 balls, Gill unleashed his full range of strokes in the latter part of the innings. In the final 25 balls he faced, the right-hander hammered 73 runs, including 12 fours and seven sixes. His knock propelled India to a commanding first-innings total of 234/4, ultimately securing the victory for the team.
128 vs Australia (2023)
Gill smashed his second Test hundred against Australia. (AP)
Drafted into the playing XI as a replacement for KL Rahul in the previous Test in Indore, Gill justified the management's decision to retain him for the fourth Test against Australia in Ahmedabad. Carrying the weight of expectations, Gill rose to the occasion, securing his second Test century with a well-paced innings that exhibited a perfect blend of patience and aggression, scoring 128 off 235 balls.
In response to Australia's first-innings total of 480, India began Day 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium with Gill playing a pivotal role. His sublime knock included 12 fours and a six, anchoring the Indian innings. Gill's century marked a historic achievement as he became the first Indian opener to score hundreds in T20Is, ODIs, and Test matches in the same calendar year. While being the fourth Indian batter to achieve this feat overall, Gill stands out as the first to do so as an opener on a batting friendly pitch.
130 vs Zimbabwe (2022)
Gill's first hundred in international arena came against Zimbabwe. (AP)
Scoring a maiden international century is always a memorable achievement, and it becomes even more special when it follows the disappointment of falling in the 90s. India had a steady start, reaching 63 for one in 15 overs after choosing to bat for the first time in the series. However, Gill showcased his resilience, achieving his maiden international century after coming to the crease when skipper KL Rahul departed in the 15th over.
Gill was off to a cautious start, particularly after the dismissal of Shikhar Dhawan. Subsequently, he partnered with Ishan Kishan to drive the Indian innings forward. While Kishan faced challenges in rotating the strike, Gill adeptly kept the scoreboard ticking. His century was completed in the 44th over with a well-timed single. The top-order batter concluded his innings with a remarkable 130 off 97 balls, laced with 15 fours and 1 six. His stellar performance played a pivotal role in taking India to a total of 289 for eight in the third and final ODI against Zimbabwe in August 2022.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
