![Shubman Gill and Co defeat England in second Test [Source: AP Photos and @KumudGarain/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1752040945027_Shubman_gill_.jpg?type=mq)
Shubman Gill and Co defeat England in second Test [Source: AP Photos and @KumudGarain/X.com]
Shubman Gill’s first steps as India Test captain couldn’t have been more perfect. He’s been in the form of his life, scoring runs for fun and leading India to a stunning victory over England at Edgbaston. But amidst all the celebrations, former captain Sourav Ganguly had a clear message: enjoy the honeymoon period, because tougher tests are on the way.
Gill, only two Tests into his captaincy stint, has already set the stage on fire. With 585 runs at an unbelievable average of 146.25, the 25-year-old has quickly silenced any doubts about whether he was ready for the big job.
His latest masterclass came during the second Test, where his scores of 269 and 161 powered India to a 336-run victory over England. Not only did India level the five-match series 1-1, but they also broke their winless streak at Edgbaston, a venue where they had suffered seven defeats and a draw in the past.
Ganguly Warns Shubman Gill After Historic Start
While celebrating his 53rd birthday at Eden Gardens, Sourav Ganguly praised Gill’s performance but added a serious note of caution.
"This is the best I've seen him bat and I'm not surprised,” said Ganguly.
According to Ganguly, while the start has been fairytale-like, leading a team comes with long-term challenges. As India moves ahead in the five-match series, the expectations and responsibilities on Gill’s shoulders will only grow.
“He has just become captain, it's a honeymoon period. But there would be more pressure with time. The pressure will build in the next three Tests,” he added.
The second Test at Edgbaston was nothing short of a blockbuster for Indian cricket fans. After losing KL Rahul early, Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Karun Nair (31) steadied the innings. Then, Gill took over, building big partnerships with Ravindra Jadeja (89) and Washington Sundar (42) to push India’s total to a towering 587 runs.
England had a fightback of their own, thanks to a 303-run stand between Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184)* but Mohammed Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88) cleaned up the tail, giving India a crucial 180-run lead.
Gill didn’t stop there. In the second innings, he smashed 161 off 162 balls, with help from Rishabh Pant (65) and another Jadeja fifty. India declared at 427/6, setting England an impossible target of 608 runs.
Despite Jamie Smith’s resistance with 88 runs, Akash Deep once again shined, taking his maiden 10-wicket haul in a Test match, and England folded for 271.
