Leeds, June 20, 2025 – Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain, delivered a stunning century on his captaincy debut against England at Headingley today. The 25-year-old batter led from the front, guiding India to a strong position on Day 1 of the first Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Gill came to the crease at No. 4 after India lost two early wickets. He started steadily, getting his eye in before unleashing a series of crisp shots. His century came off 104 balls, one of the fastest by an Indian captain on debut. With 12 boundaries and a six, Gill dominated England’s bowlers, helping India reach 215/2 at tea. Yashasvi Jaiswal, also scoring a century, partnered Gill in a vital 100-plus stand that steadied the innings.
This knock was historic for Gill, who became the youngest Indian to score a fifty on Test captaincy debut before turning it into a century. He broke a 57-year-old record held by Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, becoming the youngest Indian to lead the team in a Test on English soil at 25 years and 285 days. Gill also joined an elite group as the ninth Indian to score a fifty in their first innings as Test captain.
Former players were full of praise. Dinesh Karthik said Gill handled the pressure of leadership well, balancing aggression with responsibility. His century was a bold statement, especially after India’s transition following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Having led Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Gill showed he’s ready for Test cricket’s challenges.
The day wasn’t without a hiccup. Gill faced criticism for wearing black socks, against ICC rules requiring white or cream socks in Tests. Match referee Richie Richardson might issue a fine if it’s deemed intentional, but it didn’t overshadow Gill’s batting brilliance.
Gill’s century set the tone for India’s new era. With debutant Sai Sudharsan and returning player Karun Nair in the lineup, the team looked confident under his leadership. He took on England’s pacers, who bowled too full at times, and kept the scoreboard moving with Jaiswal.
Fans on social media were buzzing, with many calling Gill the future of Indian cricket. Some compared his calm approach to Sourav Ganguly, while others saw shades of Virat Kohli’s aggressive leadership. Before the match, Gill had said winning a Test series in England means more to him than an IPL title, showing his commitment to Test cricket.
