Shubman Gill matches Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli's incredible feat: Century in debut innings as India's Test captain

Shubman Gill smashed a century on his debut as India captain. (Photo: BCCI)

Shubman Gill has etched his name into the history books with a commanding century in his very first innings as India’s Test captain. The young right-hander remained unbeaten on 102* against England at Headingley, Leeds, announcing his leadership era in the grandest fashion possible.

With this knock, Gill became just the fourth Indian to score a hundred in his captaincy debut. He now stands alongside legendary names such as Vijay Hazare (164* vs England, Delhi, 1951), Sunil Gavaskar (116 vs New Zealand, Auckland, 1976), and Virat Kohli (115 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2014) — a trio of icons who defined generations of Indian cricket.

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Gill has also joined a prestigious global list. He is the 23rd player in Test cricket history to score a century in his first innings as captain and, notably, the fourth youngest to do so. Only Herbie Taylor, Alastair Cook, and Steven Smith reached the milestone at a younger age.

Gill’s innings was marked by maturity, composure, and class — traits that have defined his rise in the cricketing world. Taking charge during a challenging transition phase for Indian cricket, with the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping aside, Gill’s performance is both symbolic and reassuring.

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The hundred at Headingley isn’t just about personal glory — it’s a signal of intent. A young leader has arrived, and he’s ready to take Indian cricket forward after the retirement of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.