Shubman Gill, the young Indian batsman facing criticism for his recent struggles in Test cricket, silenced his critics with a splendid century on Day 3 of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam. The stylish right-hander’s timely return to form proved crucial for India, especially after the top order faltered in the second innings. Gill entered the crease early in the day, following the dismissals of Rohit Sharma (13) and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had scored a double century in the previous innings.
Facing the precision of James Anderson’s bowling, Gill initially displayed caution, considering the accuracy of the veteran pacer. Luck favoured Gill in the early stages, surviving a close LBW call that was overturned due to an inside edge detected by the TV umpire. Another scare followed when an incoming delivery from Anderson hit Gill’s knee roll, but the on-field umpire ruled in favour of the batsman.
WATCH – Ben Stokesโ Spectacular Backward-Running Catch Dismisses Shreyas Iyer in Style
These fortunate moments seemed to boost Gill’s confidence. He gradually shifted gears, showcasing aggressiveness by smashing a straight six off Shoaib Bashir and confidently using his feet against the spinners. Gill’s positive intent became evident as he reached his half-century with a flurry of attacking shots, including a boundary down the ground and a cover drive.
Gill’s fifty came off just sixty deliveries, marking a significant relief for the young batsman who had been under scrutiny for his recent struggles in Test cricket. Prior to this innings, Gill’s career average had dipped below 30, and his last fifty-plus score dated back to March 2023.
After the Lunch break, Gill continued his composed approach, forming partnerships with the lower order. Despite the loss of Shreyas Iyer (29) and Rajat Patidar (9), Gill, alongside Axar Patel, maintained a steady scoring rate. In the 41st over, Gill unleashed his attacking instincts against leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, hitting a six and two boundaries off consecutive deliveries.
WATCH – After timed-out in World Cup, Angelo Mathews got out in a bizarre way
Displaying positive intent and a desire to dominate the England bowling attack, Gill reached the coveted century in the 52nd over, facing 132 deliveries in the innings. The century was not only a personal triumph for Gill but also a crucial contribution to India’s innings, addressing concerns about his form and securing his spot in the Test XI.
Here is how the netziens reacted to the century from Shubman Gill:
A determined and composed knock acknowledged by the Vizag crowd ๐๐
Well played Shubman Gill ๐
Follow the match โถ๏ธ https://t.co/X85JZGt0EV#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @ShubmanGill | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/9GkHZt4pzS
โ BCCI (@BCCI) February 4, 2024
ย
๐ฅ Vizag roaring for our Prince Shubman Gill’s brilliant century.
๐ A well-made 104 (147) balls.#ShubmanGill #INDvENG #INDvsENG #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI๐ฎ๐ณ pic.twitter.com/QuI5460tNW
โ The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) February 4, 2024
ย
2017 – Cheteshwar Pujara scored a century against Sri Lanka.
2024 – Shubman Gill has scored a century against England.The first century from India’s No. 3 in home Tests after almost seven years.#ShubmanGill #India #Cricket #Tests #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/itQSH6FD6O
โ Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) February 4, 2024
ย
WELCOME BACK, SHUBMAN GILL…!!! โญ
What a brilliant century against England in the 3rd innings when India needed the most. The most important knock for Gill, he’s perfectly stepped up and delivered. ๐ซก pic.twitter.com/MCFPG4Qj1L
โ Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 4, 2024
ย
Double century and another century by Indians aged under 25 in the same Test:
vs ENG at Delhi, 1964
MAK Pataudi 203*
Budhi Kunderan 100vs ENG at Vizag, 2024
Yashasvi Jaiswal 209
Shubman Gill 104#INDvENGโ Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) February 4, 2024
ย
You can get the idea from the looks of Shubman Gill what this Century means to him after continues failure.๐
Eoin Morgan summarise it well too.
Keep Coverting these Start @ShubmanGill๐ฆpic.twitter.com/nuPSBJG0se
โ KKR Bhakt ๐ฎ๐ณ โข (@KKRSince2011) February 4, 2024
ย
Shubman Gill century. ๐ช #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/hLY2Nacwwg
โ Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) February 4, 2024
ย