On July 27, 2025, Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history during the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. By scoring his fourth century of the series, Gill joined an elite group of captains—Sir Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar—who have achieved the rare feat of scoring four centuries in a single Test series. This monumental achievement, accomplished in his debut series as captain, underscores Gill’s emergence as a torchbearer for Indian cricket and a global batting sensation. This article delves into Gill’s remarkable performance, the context of the IND vs ENG series, and the significance of his record-equalling knock, exploring his journey, leadership, and impact on the game.
The Context of IND vs ENG 2025
The IND vs ENG series, officially named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, has been a fiercely contested five-match Test series, showcasing high-quality cricket between two cricketing powerhouses. Entering the fourth Test at Old Trafford, India trailed 2-1 after a thrilling series that saw Gill’s leadership and batting prowess come under intense scrutiny. England’s first innings total of 669, powered by centuries from Joe Root and Ben Stokes, had put India on the back foot, with a daunting 311-run deficit to overcome. The match appeared to be slipping away by Day 4, with India reeling at 0/2 after losing both openers in the first over. It was in this high-pressure scenario that Gill stepped up, delivering a captain’s knock that not only saved the Test but also cemented his place among cricketing legends.
The IND vs ENG series has been a battle of resilience, skill, and strategy. Gill’s leadership, despite facing criticism for tactical decisions during England’s mammoth first innings, has been defined by his ability to lead from the front with the bat. His fourth century in Manchester, scored off 228 balls, was a masterclass in composure, technique, and determination, ensuring India fought their way to a draw and kept their hopes alive heading into the final Test at The Oval.
Gill’s Historic Century in Manchester
On Day 5 of the fourth Test in the IND vs ENG series, Shubman Gill walked to the crease with India in dire straits. Facing a hat-trick ball from Chris Woakes after the dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, Gill displayed remarkable poise. His innings of 103 runs, studded with 12 fours, was a blend of aggressive strokeplay and resolute defense. Partnering with KL Rahul, who scored a gritty 90 off 230 balls, Gill forged a 188-run partnership that stabilized India’s innings and frustrated England’s bowlers. This partnership was pivotal in ensuring India batted out 143 overs in their second innings, securing a draw that kept the series alive.
Gill’s century was his ninth in Test cricket and his fourth in the IND vs ENG series, a feat that places him alongside Bradman (1947/48 against India) and Gavaskar (1978/79 against West Indies) as the only captains to score four hundreds in a single Test series. Unlike his predecessors, however, Gill achieved this milestone in his debut series as captain, a record unmatched in Test history. His series tally of 722 runs across eight innings, at an average of 101.2, includes a double century (269) and two other centuries (147 and 161), showcasing his consistency and hunger for runs.
Comparing Gill to Bradman and Gavaskar
To understand the magnitude of Gill’s achievement in the IND vs ENG series, it’s essential to compare his performance with those of Bradman and Gavaskar. Sir Don Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest batsman in cricket history, scored four centuries during the 1947/48 series against India in Australia. His series tally of 715 runs at an average of 178.75 included scores of 185, 132, 127, and 201. Bradman’s dominance was unparalleled, but his feat came on home soil, where conditions were familiar.
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s cricketing icons, achieved the same feat during the 1978/79 series against the West Indies at home. Gavaskar’s 732 runs, including centuries of 205, 107, 182, and 120, came at an average of 91.50. Like Bradman, Gavaskar benefited from playing in familiar conditions, but his ability to tackle a fearsome West Indian pace attack was a testament to his skill and resilience.
Gill’s achievement in the IND vs ENG series stands out for several reasons. First, it was accomplished on foreign soil, in England, where batting conditions are notoriously challenging due to swing and seam movement. Second, Gill was only 25 years old and in his first series as captain, a role that carries immense pressure. Third, his series average of 101.2 surpasses both Bradman’s and Gavaskar’s in their respective four-century series, highlighting his consistency. Finally, Gill’s 722 runs make him the third Indian to cross the 700-run mark in a Test series, behind only Gavaskar’s 774 (1971, West Indies) and 732 (1978/79, West Indies).
The Making of Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill’s rise to prominence in the IND vs ENG series is the culmination of years of hard work, talent, and mental fortitude. Born in Fazilka, Punjab, on September 8, 1999, Gill showed prodigious talent from a young age. His performances in domestic cricket, particularly for Punjab and in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Gujarat Titans, marked him as a future star. His Test debut against Australia in 2020, where he scored a match-defining 91 at the Gabba, announced his arrival on the international stage.
Gill’s technique—characterized by a high elbow, impeccable timing, and a calm demeanor—has drawn comparisons to some of India’s finest batsmen. His ability to adapt to different formats, from the aggression of T20 to the patience required in Tests, has made him a versatile player. In the IND vs ENG series, Gill’s technical purity was on full display. His ability to leave balls outside off-stump, play late, and counterattack when needed showcased a maturity beyond his years. Sunil Gavaskar himself praised Gill’s technique, stating, “The purity of his technique is wonderful to watch. He’s got all the shots in the book, and more importantly, he has the wonderful ability to shoulder the responsibility of the team.”
Leadership Under Pressure
Gill’s appointment as India’s 37th Test captain on May 24, 2025, was a bold move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). At just 25, he was thrust into a high-stakes role, leading a team in transition against a formidable England side. The IND vs ENG series tested his leadership, particularly in the fourth Test, where his tactical decisions during England’s first innings drew criticism. England’s 669, bolstered by Root’s 150 and Stokes’ aggressive batting, exposed India’s bowling frailties and raised questions about Gill’s field placements and bowling changes.
However, Gill silenced his critics with his bat. His century in Manchester, scored under immense pressure, was described by former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif as a “proper captain’s knock.” Irfan Pathan echoed this sentiment, praising Gill’s ability to lead from the front. Unlike Bradman and Gavaskar, who were seasoned captains during their four-century series, Gill’s achievement came in his maiden captaincy stint, making it all the more remarkable. His calm demeanor, as noted by Gavaskar, has been a defining feature of his leadership, fostering a positive team environment.
The Numbers Behind Gill’s Dominance
Gill’s performance in the IND vs ENG series is a statistical marvel. His series scores read: 147 (227), 8 (16), 269 (387), 161 (162), 16 (44), 6 (9), 12 (23), and 103 (238). These numbers reflect both his brilliance and occasional vulnerability, with three low scores highlighting the challenges of Test cricket in England. However, his four centuries and a double ton underscore his ability to deliver when it matters most.
With 722 runs in eight innings, Gill is the leading run-scorer in the IND vs ENG series, surpassing teammate KL Rahul (508 runs) and England’s Joe Root. He is also the third Indian to score over 700 runs in a Test series, joining Gavaskar and Yashasvi Jaiswal (712 runs, 2024 vs. England). With one Test remaining, Gill is just 52 runs shy of Gavaskar’s Indian record of 774 runs in a series and 253 runs away from Bradman’s all-time record of 974 runs. Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar expressed optimism about Gill’s chances, saying, “He is in great form, and he should do it.”
The Role of Partnerships in Manchester
The fourth Test in the IND vs ENG series was a testament to the power of partnerships. Gill’s 188-run stand with KL Rahul was the cornerstone of India’s fightback, but the match-saving effort was completed by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who added an unbroken 223 runs for the fifth wicket. Both Jadeja and Sundar scored centuries, with Jadeja’s aggressive six to reach his hundred and Sundar’s composed knock earning praise. This partnership, the highest for India in the fourth innings of an away Test, ensured England were denied a series-clinching victory.
The IND vs ENG series has highlighted India’s batting depth, with Gill, Rahul, Jadeja, and Sundar stepping up at critical moments. While England’s bowlers, including Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Chris Woakes, posed constant threats, India’s resilience under Gill’s leadership kept them in the contest. The draw in Manchester, though an anti-climax after five days of intense cricket, showcased India’s fighting spirit and Gill’s ability to inspire his team.
The Road Ahead: The Oval Test
As the IND vs ENG series heads to The Oval for the fifth and final Test, India cannot win the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy but can level the series at 2-2. Gill’s form will be crucial, as will his ability to manage a bowling attack that struggled in Manchester. With Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace unit and spinners like Jadeja and Sundar in form, India will look to exploit any weaknesses in England’s batting lineup. For Gill, the final Test offers a chance to break Gavaskar’s 774-run record and further cement his legacy.
The IND vs ENG series has been a defining moment for Gill, transforming him from a promising talent to a cricketing superstar. His ability to perform under pressure, both as a batsman and captain, has drawn comparisons to India’s greats. Sunil Gavaskar’s endorsement—“I would be delighted if another ‘SG’ takes that record”—reflects the belief in Gill’s potential to surpass even the loftiest benchmarks.
The Legacy of Shubman Gill
At 25, Shubman Gill has already achieved what many cricketers can only dream of. His four centuries in the IND vs ENG series place him in the company of Bradman, Gavaskar, and other legends like Mohammad Yousuf and Jacques Kallis. His record as the first captain to score four centuries in a debut series is a testament to his mental strength and adaptability. The Manchester century, in particular, was a defining moment, showcasing his ability to anchor an innings under pressure while keeping India’s hopes alive.
Gill’s journey in the IND vs ENG series is not just about numbers but about leadership, resilience, and rewriting history. His calm celebration after reaching his hundred—a glance towards the dressing room and a tap of the bat—reflected a player focused on the bigger picture. As India prepares for the final Test, Gill’s legacy as a captain and batsman is already taking shape. Whether he breaks Gavaskar’s record or not, his performance in the IND vs ENG series has established him as a worthy successor to India’s cricketing greats.
Looking Forward
Shubman Gill’s fourth century in the IND vs ENG series is a landmark achievement, placing him alongside Sir Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar in cricketing folklore. His 722 runs, leadership under pressure, and ability to deliver in a crisis have redefined his career and India’s Test fortunes. The Manchester Test, with its dramatic recovery and match-saving partnerships, will be remembered as a turning point in Gill’s captaincy. As the IND vs ENG series concludes at The Oval, cricket fans worldwide will watch eagerly to see if Gill can further etch his name in history. For now, his place among the game’s elite is secure, and his story is just beginning.
