The India tour of England in 2025 has etched itself into cricketing history, not only for the fiercely competitive Test series but also for the emergence of Shubman Gill as a record-breaking captain. At just 25 years old, Gill has surpassed a long-standing record held by Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, amassing 737 runs in a single Test series—the most by an Indian captain. This remarkable achievement, coupled with India’s commanding performance, has sparked widespread admiration and debate, including comments from former captain Sourav Ganguly on the team’s selection choices. This article delves into Gill’s historic milestone, India’s campaign in England, and the strategic decisions that shaped the series, while also addressing Ganguly’s perspective on Kuldeep Yadav’s limited involvement.
Shubman Gill: A Captain’s Masterclass
Shubman Gill’s ascent to cricketing stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. Appointed as India’s Test captain for the 2025 England tour, Gill faced immense pressure to lead a talented but relatively young side against a formidable English team on their home soil. Yet, he rose to the occasion with a blend of elegance, resilience, and sheer run-scoring prowess. By the end of the fourth Test, Gill had already notched up four centuries, a testament to his consistency and hunger for big scores. Entering the fifth Test, he needed just 11 runs to eclipse Sunil Gavaskar’s record of 732 runs, set during the 1978-79 West Indies tour of India. Gill wasted no time, achieving the milestone within the first 20 balls of his innings, capitalizing on an erratic Jamie Overton, who leaked 16 runs in his opening three overs.
Gill’s 737 runs (and counting, as rain interrupted play with him unbeaten on 15) not only surpassed Gavaskar but also placed him among the cricketing elite. His tally is now the highest by any Indian captain in a Test series, outstripping Virat Kohli’s 655 runs against England in 2016 and 610 runs against Sri Lanka in 2017. More impressively, Gill’s performance has rewritten the record books for visiting captains, overtaking Gary Sobers’ 722 runs (West Indies, 1966) and Graeme Smith’s 714 runs (South Africa, 2003). With 73 runs separating him from Sir Don Bradman’s all-time record of 810 runs as a captain in a Test series (set in 1936 against England), Gill stands on the cusp of cricketing immortality.
Gill’s success is not merely a statistical triumph but a reflection of his evolution as a batsman and leader. His ability to anchor innings, rotate the strike, and unleash a wide array of shots—particularly against pace—has been pivotal. Facing a challenging English attack, including the likes of James Anderson (in his final series) and Overton, Gill’s composure under pressure has drawn comparisons to some of India’s greatest batsmen. His four centuries in the series showcase a rare blend of aggression and patience, allowing him to dominate bowling attacks while steering India to commanding positions.
India’s Dominance in England
The 2025 tour has been a showcase of India’s depth and adaptability in Test cricket. Under Gill’s leadership, the team has displayed remarkable cohesion, blending youthful exuberance with strategic acumen. The batting unit, led by Gill himself, has been prolific, with contributions from the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant bolstering India’s totals. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and supported by Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj, has consistently dismantled England’s batting line-up, particularly in seaming conditions.
India’s success can be attributed to their ability to adapt to England’s unpredictable weather and pitches. The series, played across iconic venues like Lord’s, Edgbaston, and The Oval, has seen India exploit both pace and spin to outmaneuver the hosts. Bumrah’s fiery spells have been complemented by Ashwin’s guile, while Siraj’s relentless accuracy has kept England’s batsmen on edge. The team’s fielding, too, has been a standout feature, with athletic catches and sharp run-outs turning the tide in crucial moments.
However, the series has not been without its controversies, particularly regarding team selection. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, in an interview with CricTracker, expressed disappointment over the limited opportunities given to wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Ganguly argued that Kuldeep, known for his ability to turn matches with his unorthodox spin, should have played at least three games in the series. His comments have sparked a broader discussion about India’s bowling strategy and whether the team missed a trick by underutilizing Kuldeep’s unique skill set.
Sourav Ganguly’s Critique: The Kuldeep Conundrum
Ganguly’s remarks highlight a critical aspect of India’s campaign: the balance between pace and spin. Kuldeep Yadav, with his left-arm wrist-spin, is a rare talent capable of bamboozling batsmen on any surface. His performances in previous tours, including a memorable five-wicket haul at Lord’s in 2018, have established him as a potent weapon. However, in 2025, India’s selectors and team management opted for a pace-heavy attack, prioritizing Bumrah, Siraj, and all-rounder Shardul Thakur, with Ashwin as the primary spinner.
Ganguly’s assertion that Kuldeep “should’ve played at least three games” stems from the belief that his variations could have exploited England’s middle order, particularly on pitches offering turn. The English batting line-up, featuring players like Joe Root and Ben Stokes, has historically struggled against wrist-spin, and Kuldeep’s ability to generate sharp turn and bounce could have been a game-changer. Ganguly’s critique is not without merit, as Kuldeep’s limited appearances—reportedly only one Test in the series—meant India relied heavily on their pacers and Ashwin to do the bulk of the work.
The decision to sideline Kuldeep likely reflects the team’s confidence in their pace attack, which has been relentless throughout the series. Bumrah, in particular, has been a revelation, consistently breaching England’s defenses with his pace and movement. However, Ganguly’s comments raise a valid question: could Kuldeep’s inclusion have provided India with an additional dimension, especially on pitches where spin became a factor? The rain-affected fifth Test, for instance, saw early turn, which might have suited Kuldeep’s bowling.
Strategic Reflections: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
India’s team selection reflects a broader trend in modern Test cricket, where pace has often trumped spin, even in conditions traditionally favoring the latter. The 2025 England tour, with its seaming tracks and overcast skies, naturally favored India’s fast bowlers. Yet, Ganguly’s critique underscores the importance of flexibility in team composition. Kuldeep’s wrist-spin, unlike Ashwin’s off-spin, offers a unique challenge that could have disrupted England’s rhythm, particularly in the middle overs.
The decision to prioritize pace also highlights the evolution of India’s Test strategy under Gill’s captaincy. Unlike previous eras, where spinners like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh were the linchpins, India’s current squad boasts a formidable pace battery. This shift has been instrumental in their overseas success, including series wins in Australia and now, potentially, England. However, Ganguly’s comments serve as a reminder that innovation—such as leveraging Kuldeep’s unorthodox spin—can complement traditional strengths.
Gill’s Legacy in the Making
As the rain-interrupted fifth Test continues, Shubman Gill remains the focal point of India’s campaign. His 737 runs have not only broken records but also set a new benchmark for Indian captains. With the possibility of surpassing Bradman’s 810-run mark still alive, Gill’s performance is a beacon of hope for Indian cricket’s future. His leadership, marked by calm decision-making and proactive batting, has galvanized a young team, proving that India can compete—and dominate—on foreign soil.
Gill’s record-breaking feat also places him in the company of cricketing giants like Sobers, Smith, and Bradman. His ability to score consistently as a visiting captain, a notoriously challenging role, speaks volumes about his temperament and skill. As India aims to seal the series, Gill’s contributions with the bat and as a leader will be remembered as a defining chapter in the team’s storied history.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Test Cricket Resurgence
The 2025 England tour is a microcosm of India’s resurgence in Test cricket. After a decade of dominance at home, India has worked tirelessly to shed the “poor travelers” tag. Series wins in Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21) and competitive performances in England (2021) laid the groundwork for the current campaign. Gill’s leadership, combined with a balanced squad, has taken India’s overseas prowess to new heights.
The series has also highlighted the depth of India’s talent pool. While Gill has stolen the headlines, contributions from Jaiswal, Pant, and Bumrah underscore the team’s collective strength. Even in the face of selection debates, such as Kuldeep’s limited role, India’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure is a testament to their preparation and resilience.
Looking Forward
Shubman Gill’s record-breaking 737 runs in the 2025 England tour have cemented his place in cricketing history, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar and rewriting the record for an Indian captain in a Test series. His performance, coupled with India’s dominant campaign, reflects the team’s evolution into a global Test powerhouse. However, Sourav Ganguly’s critique of Kuldeep Yadav’s underutilization adds a layer of intrigue, prompting reflection on India’s strategic choices. As the series heads toward its climax, Gill’s leadership and India’s adaptability will be key to securing a historic victory. Whether he surpasses Bradman’s 810-run mark or not, Gill’s 2025 England tour will be remembered as a landmark moment in Indian cricket.
