Shubman Gill Joins Elite Club with Captivating Century at Edgbaston

India's promising young cricketer, Shubman Gill, has etched his name in history by becoming only the second Indian Test captain, after the eminent Virat Kohli, to score a hundred at Edgbaston. In a stunning display in Birmingham, Gill combined caution and aggression during the second Test against England, impressing with his skill and assurance.

Scoring over 50 yet again, Gill equaled the achievements of iconic captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, showcasing grit and finesse with an impressive boundary-filled half-century. While his team faltered with wickets falling in groups, Gill remained steady and tactical, ensuring the scoreboard remained active with his crafty shot placement.

In a spectacular finish, he swept the ball for a boundary off Root, sealing his century in Birmingham in style. Now, as the fourth Indian captain to notch centuries in his first two Tests, Gill stands alongside cricket luminaries like Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli. His remarkable century, achieved with 96.5% control, underscores his mastery and potential as a leader.

The dynamic 25-year-old Gill, stepping up when India wavered at 95/2, partnered with Yashasvi Jaiswal for a critical 66-run third-wicket stand. Despite initial challenges against bowlers like Chris Woakes, Gill defied odds, hitting critical boundaries to relieve pressure and set the stage for his historic performance.

Gill's fiery form early in the series continued with persistent run accumulation, culminating in his maiden Test century outside Asia off 140 deliveries, accompanied by 14 boundaries. Joining cricket greats like Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli with a century in their inaugural Test series as captains, Gill also matched Kohli's feat of reaching 2,000 Test runs during his captaincy debut, mirroring Kohli's achievement at Adelaide.

(With inputs from agencies.)