Shubman Gill shined again in Test cricket, scoring his 5th century as captain and 10th overall. On Day 2 of the 2nd Test against West Indies at Arun Jaitley Stadium, he led from the front with calm focus and sharp strokes, helping India dominate the session.
Gill’s Century Thrills Delhi Crowd
Gill reached his century in 177 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six. The Delhi crowd erupted in applause as he removed his helmet to celebrate. Even head coach Gautam Gambhir stood in the dressing room, clapping proudly for his captain’s milestone.
Equals Dhoni, Surpasses Rohit
This century marked Gill’s 5th as captain, taking him past Rohit Sharma and placing him level with MS Dhoni. Earlier, he had scored four centuries in his debut series as captain in England during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Matches Kohli’s Calendar-Year Record
Gill also matched Virat Kohli’s record for most hundreds by an Indian Test captain in a single calendar year a record Kohli achieved in 2017 and 2018. His consistency now puts him among India’s most reliable Test leaders.
Partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy
India’s innings began dramatically when Yashasvi Jaiswal was run out on 175 after a mix-up with Gill. But Gill stayed composed and rebuilt the innings alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was promoted to No. 5. Their partnership kept the scoreboard moving in steady rhythm.
Smart Play and Captaincy Maturity
Gill’s knock combined smart running with clean shot selection, reflecting his growth as a captain and batsman. His poise under pressure showed how well he reads match situations and keeps his team motivated.
Among India’s Top Test Captains
With this hundred, Gill joined India’s elite list of Test captains with multiple centuries: Virat Kohli (20), Sunil Gavaskar (11), Mohammad Azharuddin (9), Sachin Tendulkar (7), Shubman Gill (5*), MS Dhoni (5), Sourav Ganguly (5), Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (5), Rahul Dravid (4), and Rohit Sharma (4).
Setting the Tone for India
This innings was more than just a personal milestone. It proved Gill’s ability to lead from the front and perform under pressure. His leadership has added calmness and intent to India’s Test setup, making him one of the strongest captains in modern Indian cricket.
