Image Credit: BCCI on X

In May 2025, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin, the BCCI entrusted 25‑year‑old Shubman Gill with the Test captaincy ahead of the vital England tour. His calm temperament, leadership displayed in the IPL with Gujarat Titans, and praise from mentors like Kane Williamson—who noted his “clarity, conviction, and strong cricketing brain”—bolstered selectors’ confidence.

First Assignment: England Tour, 2025

Gill’s captaincy debut came in a demanding five-Test series against England—India’s first major Test assignment under his leadership. The opening Test at Headingley saw a measured start from Gill. On debut as captain, he smashed an elegant century (147), anchoring India’s innings despite a defeat. He struck his sixth overall Test ton, and became one of only four Indians to hit a hundred on debut as skipper.

Century Barrage in England

Gill’s form escalated in the second Test at Edgbaston:

  • 1st Test, First innings: Scored scintillating 147 and registed his career best. 
  • 2nd Test, First innings: A commanding 269, marking his maiden Test double‑century, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 254* to become the highest individual Test score by an Indian captain and the first Asian captain with a double century in SENA countries.
  • 2nd Test, Second innings: An unbeaten 161—the first batsman ever to score a double century and then a century in the same Test, tallying a staggering 430 runs in one match.

By doing so, he set multiple records: highest Test score by an Indian skipper in England (269), first double-tailed century by an Indian captain in England, and most runs scored in a single Test match by an Indian.

Rising to the Occasion in Seniors' Absence

Gill’s leadership surge coincided with the absence of seasoned players. Stepping in when the team was in transition, he not only found form but led from the front. From shaping partnerships—especially the 203‑run stand with Ravindra Jadeja—to making strategic declarations that set England a near‑impossible 608‑run chase, Gill showed both tactical acuity and batting excellence.

Before vs. After Captaincy

  • Before captaincy: Gill had delivered six Test centuries across 32 matches, totaling around 1,893 runs with moderate results in SENA conditions (average around 25.7).
  • After captaincy: In just his first two Tests as captain, he’s scored 147, 269, and 161, marking three centuries in 4 innings. His average in the series skyrocketed, accumulating 585 runs in two matches. 

Batting Records Since Captaincy

  • Scored century on Test captaincy debut—joining Hazare, Gavaskar, and Kohli.
  • Registered hundreds in consecutive Tests as captain, matching legends Hazare, Gavaskar, and Kohli.
  • Skipper to scored hundred in both innings of a test along with Gavaskar and Kohli.
  • Highest individual Test score by an Indian captain (269).
  • First Asian skipper to score a double hundred in SENA conditions.
  • First-ever player to score a double-century and a century in the same Test for India, with 430 runs total in a match—India’s best tally in any Test ever.
  • Before the series started, he was averaging 36.6 in test matches. After 4 innings in the series, he is averaging 42.72 & that shows his dominance in this series.

Summary

Since taking over India’s Test captaincy, Shubman Gill has undergone a remarkable transformation. From a modest overseas record, he’s emerged as a powerhouse. In two matches, he’s set or broken seven major records, including historic centuries, double‑centuries, and being India’s top run‑scorer. Assuming leadership in a team in transition hasn’t dimmed his flair—instead, he’s flourished, proving himself not only a dynamic batter but also a tactician ready to lead India’s new Test era. 

Though he has faced criticism for his captaincy decisions—particularly his bowling changes, field placements, and a defensive approach—these aspects are expected to improve with experience.