With an outstanding century against England on Day 1 of the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, Shubman Gill was at his best. As captain, he led Indian cricket into a new era, silencing his critics with consecutive centuries that dispelled any question about his red-ball credentials. On Wednesday, the 25-year-old demonstrated outstanding technique, looking fully in command as he approached the triple-figure threshold and remaining undefeated at 114 at the end of the day.

The switch from Virat Kohli to Gill at the crucial point was made easier by Gill's consecutive centuries. The fourth position has seemed perfect up until this point.

Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian batsman who shared the field with Tendulkar and Kohli (at India A), compared Gill to Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli while discussing the legacy of top-tier Indian batters at number four in Test matches.

India has always been fortunate to have a top-notch batsman at No. 4, beginning with Sachin Tendulkar, then Virat Kohli, and now Shubman Gill. Perhaps this will last forever. Kaif wrote on X, "Gill continuing a great tradition."

Gill carved a special milestone on Wednesday, becoming only the ninth overseas captain — and just the second Indian after Mohammad Azharuddin in 1990 — to score centuries in both the first and second Tests of a series in England.

Gill brought up his seventh Test century — the slowest of his career — off 199 balls, but it was a commanding knock given the match situation. He remained unbeaten on 114 at stumps, with Ravindra Jadeja (41*) holding firm at the other end as India recovered with 310/5.

Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to shine with bat

Apart from Gill, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal also showed impressive signs with the bat as he saw off the new ball early on in cloudy conditions. After getting settled, once the lush green outfield was bathed in sunshine, he got into his groove and scored at nearly a run a ball, with Josh Tongue bearing the brunt of his onslaught. Having scored a century in the opening test, Jaiswal was on 87 when he sliced at a wide delivery and was caught behind by an ecstatic Jamie Smith. Earlier, India made three changes, notably resting Jasprit Bumrah after it was announced before the series that the outstanding fast bowler would only feature in three of the five Tests to manage his workload. Apart from Bumrah, Shardul Thakur and Sai Sudharsan also missed out in the XI.

Read Also: ‘Gill Was Like Kohli in England’: Shastri Discusses Indian Captain’s Batting Progress
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