Shubman Gill is not just leading the Indian cricket team; he’s rewriting the history books with a bat in his hand. His latest masterstroke—a magnificent 10th Test century—has catapulted him past a legend and placed him in an elite club with only one name ahead: Virat Kohli.
In a display of sheer class and composure, Shubman Gill notched up his 10th Test century during the India vs West Indies series. This wasn’t just another hundred; it was a statement of intent from a captain who is rapidly growing into his role. The innings, a blend of elegant drives and powerful pulls, silenced any lingering doubts about his ability to shoulder the dual responsibility of leadership and run-scoring.
The most astonishing part of Gill’s feat is its timing. This century was his fifth as captain in the 2025 calendar year, a milestone that places him in a league of his own alongside the modern great, Virat Kohli. Kohli, known for his incredible consistency as a leader, achieved this remarkable feat of five Test centuries in a single year twice during his captaincy tenure . Now, Gill has matched that record, signaling a potential new era of dominant Indian captaincy at the crease .
Gill’s rise has been meteoric. He has reached his 10th Test ton in just his 12th innings as captain, making him the second-fastest Indian skipper to achieve this landmark . This statistic alone speaks volumes about his confidence and the trust the team management has placed in his abilities.
While the comparison with Kohli is immediate, Gill’s journey has also seen him overtake another giant of the game: Sachin Tendulkar. In terms of runs scored in his first 34 Test matches, Gill’s tally of 2,478 runs has surpassed Tendulkar’s 2,375 from the same number of games . It’s a staggering comparison that highlights the incredible start Gill has made to his Test career, building on a foundation that even the ‘God of Cricket’ would be proud of.
Gill’s leadership style is becoming increasingly evident: lead by example. His ability to score big runs while carrying the captain’s armband is reminiscent of the golden eras of Indian cricket. His recent 269-run knock stands as the highest individual score by an Indian captain in Test cricket, a testament to his hunger for big scores . This latest century is not an isolated event but part of a consistent pattern of excellence that is defining his captaincy.
| Player | Test Centuries as Captain in a Calendar Year | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 5 | 2017, 2018 |
| Shubman Gill | 5 | 2025 |
With his place in the record books now secure for 2025, the cricketing world is watching to see if Gill can sustain this phenomenal form. Can he break Kohli’s overall record for most Test centuries as an Indian captain? Can he guide India to more overseas victories with his bat and his tactical acumen? The journey has just begun, but Shubman Gill has already shown he has the talent and temperament to be a true great of the game.
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