Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar praised India’s Test captain Shubman Gill for his humble act while celebrating a stunning century on Day 1 of the first Test against England in Leeds. Leading India in Tests for the first time, Gill responded in style, scoring his sixth red-ball century and a second away from home as well. He remained unbeaten on 127 off 175 deliveries with 16 boundaries and a maximum.

Speaking about Gill’s celebration on Sony Sports, Gavaskar said (via India Today): “That little bow to the dressing room was a nice touch. It means so much, because those are the people you train with, run between the wickets with, and who’ve been part of your preparation. It was a gesture of appreciation—’thank you, guys, I wouldn’t have reached here without you.”

Sunil Gavaskar also applauded Shubman Gill for the growth in his batting after his stunning century on the opening day at Leeds. He came into the ongoing Test under pressure, with a Test average of only 35.05 in 32 matches as well. And, he became only the fourth Indian to score a century in his maiden Test innings as captain.

“We’ve seen him (Shubman Gill) grow up in front of the camera—from the U-19 World Cup days to now anchoring a Test innings. Every time he walks out now, you can see how much more solid and mature he looks. Early on, he had a bit of a weakness around the off stump, often playing across the line and getting caught out. But now, he’s much more assured,” said Gavaskar.

“He’s looking absolutely gorgeous at the crease. That shot early on in his innings—playing straight down the ground—is not an easy one to execute. It showed just how well he was seeing the ball: the speed, the timing, the control—everything was spot on,” Sunil Gavaskar concluded.