The Eng vs India 2025 series witnessed a masterclass in patience and precision as Shubman Gill carved his name into the record books with a monumental 269 at Edgbaston. On a ground steeped in cricketing history, the young Indian captain batted with the calm authority of a seasoned veteran, leaving England exhausted and rewriting the script of the second Test.
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A Captain’s Knock for the Ages
When India was put into bat on a fresh Edgbaston pitch, few expected the marathon that followed. Gill, leading the side for only his second Test as captain, transformed what could have been a tricky first innings into a mammoth total of 587. His 509-minute stay at the crease was the longest any batter has forced England to bowl under the Bazball era.
England threw everything at him, pace, spin, part-timers, but Gill remained unshaken. He played each ball on its merit, never rushing, never reckless. Against Brydon Carse’s 90 mph deliveries, he waited and guided them softly.
Against Joe Root’s off-spin, he picked gaps with surgical precision. Even when Ben Stokes turned to Harry Brook’s occasional medium pace, Gill responded with two effortless straight drives.
Breaking Records, Setting New Benchmarks
Gill’s 269 wasn’t just a big score; it was a historic one. Here’s why:
- Highest score by an Indian captain in Tests, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 254* against South Africa in 2019.
- Highest Test score by an Indian outside Asia, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar’s 241* at the SCG in 2004.
- Third-highest away Test score by an Indian, behind only Virender Sehwag’s 309 in Multan and Rahul Dravid’s 270 in Rawalpindi.
- Only the third Indian to score a Test double-century in England, after Sunil Gavaskar (221 in 1979) and Rahul Dravid (217 in 2002).
- A 93.28% control percentage, one of the highest in England since 2006.
Gill also joined an elite club of batters with double-centuries in both Tests and ODIs, standing alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Rohit Sharma.
The Long Game: How Gill Out-Bazballed England
England’s aggressive approach under Stokes has often forced opponents into submission. However, in the Eng vs India 2025 series, Gill flipped the script. By batting for nearly two full days, he drained England’s energy. England assistant coach Jeetan Patel admitted, “Spending 151 overs in the dirt is tough. There are tired minds and bodies.“
The fatigue showed when England batted. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj exploited the weariness, reducing England to 25/3 in just eight overs. Unlike Headingley, where England bounced back after restricting India, this time they looked sluggish—footwork slow, judgment clouded.
Partnerships That Broke England’s Spirit
Gill didn’t do it alone. Ravindra Jadeja (89) and Washington Sundar (42) played crucial supporting roles, stitching partnerships of 203 and 144 for the sixth and seventh wickets. From a shaky 211/5, India surged to 587, their highest total in England since 2007.
Jadeja, in particular, loves Edgbaston. It was his third 200+ partnership for the sixth wicket or lower in Tests—only Adam Gilchrist and MS Dhoni have more.
The Making of a Run-Glutton
Gill’s hunger for runs isn’t new. His father, Lakhwinder Singh, once paid farm workers ₹100 if they could dismiss him during childhood practice. That relentless grind shaped him.
Former India cricketer Aashish Kapoor recalls a U-16 game where Gill, facing a 400-run target, calmly told his team, “Just bat normally, we’ll get there.“ He then scored an unbeaten double-century. That same belief was on display at Edgbaston.
What This Means for Eng vs India 2025
With England trailing by over 500 runs, the Bazballers face a rare challenge playing for survival. A draw isn’t in their DNA, but Lord’s looms, and fatigue could linger.
For India, Gill’s innings has set the tone. His leadership, backed by a double-century, sends a clear message: India won’t be rushed. They’ll play the long game, and they’ll make England sweat for every run.
Final Thoughts: A New Era Begins
Before Eng vs India 2025, Gill’s Test average hovered in the mid-30s. Three innings later, it’s past 40. It wasn’t a flashy assault; it was a calculated feast. An insatiable scorer, knowing precisely what he wanted, and finally, how to wait for it.
As the sun set on Edgbaston, one thing was clear: Shubman Gill isn’t just India’s future. He’s there now. And England must find a way to stop him, or this series will slip away fast.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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