From "Prince to King": Shubman Gill Creates History with a Record-Breaking 200
In a performance that will be remembered for generations, Shubman Gill – once fondly called the Prince of Indian Cricket – has officially stepped into royalty. On the second day of the 2nd Test at Edgbaston, Gill smashed a sensational 269 off 387 balls, becoming the first Indian captain to score a double century in England.
This wasn’t just a knock. It was a statement. A coronation. A transformation from a promising prodigy into a true king.
💫 A Masterclass at Edgbaston
India, batting first after England chose to bowl, put up a monumental 587 runs, led by Shubman Gill’s magical innings. His 269 included 30 fours and 3 sixes, combining patience with dominance. It was a marathon of elegance, grit, and control, against one of the toughest oppositions in swinging conditions.
At 25 years and 298 days, Gill became:
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The first Indian captain to score a double hundred in England.
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The second-youngest Indian skipper to hit a Test double century after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
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Only the third Indian to score a double ton in England (after Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar) — but the first as a captain.
🤝 Key Partnerships That Defined the Innings
Gill was well-supported throughout his innings:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal gave a blazing start with 87 runs.
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Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial hand with 89, sharing a 203-run partnership with Gill.
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Washington Sundar, with his classy 42, was part of a vital 144-run stand that helped India cross 550.
Each partnership reflected maturity and intent – building the innings brick by brick while Gill played the anchor and aggressor.
🧢 Leading by Example
It wasn’t just the runs that mattered — it was how Gill got them. As India’s newly appointed Test captain, the pressure was immense. But rather than being burdened by it, Gill looked liberated.
He showed:
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Calm temperament in testing spells.
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Sharp shot selection.
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A sense of rhythm and resilience rarely seen in such young captains.
The Edgbaston crowd, known for its loud cheers and harsh boos, stood up and applauded as Gill raised his bat. He had not only tamed England — he had won their respect.
🏹 England on the Backfoot
By stumps on Day 2, England were 77/3, trailing by 510 runs:
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Akash Deep, playing in place of Bumrah, struck early with two quick wickets.
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Mohammed Siraj removed the dangerous Zak Crawley.
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England were relying on Joe Root (18)* and Harry Brook (30)* to steady the ship going into Day 3.
India’s bowlers capitalized on the scoreboard pressure, showing sharpness with both seam and swing.
📊 Records Shattered by Gill
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🔹 Most runs by an Indian captain in a Test in England: 269
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🔹 Only Asian captain with a double century in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia)
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🔹 Matched Virat Kohli’s record of twin 100s in first two Tests as captain
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🔹 Third-highest individual overseas Test score by an Indian (behind Dravid 270 and Sehwag 309)
🧠 Gill’s Mental Game: Rediscovering the Joy
In a post-match chat, Gill opened up:
“There was a phase when I stopped enjoying my batting. I overthought, tried to do too much. But on this tour, I went back to my basics — playing the ball late, letting my instincts guide me. And most importantly, I started enjoying the process again.”
His mindset, clarity, and confidence were all on full display at Edgbaston.
👑 The Era of Gill Has Begun
This innings wasn't just about the scoreboard. It was symbolic. A declaration that Indian cricket has found a new leader who doesn’t just talk the talk but bats the bat.
From fearless youth to calculated leader, Shubman Gill has shown he’s ready to carry the weight of a billion dreams — and do it with style.
The prince has earned his crown.
Long live the king.
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