Are Gill and Jaiswal's Centuries Major Gains for India?
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Synopsis
On the opening day of the first Test against England, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal's centuries have set the stage for potential victory. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar lauds their contributions, emphasizing the positives for the Indian team. As they aim for a massive first-innings total, the future looks bright for Indian cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Shubman Gill scored his first overseas century as captain.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal impressed with his maiden Test century in England.
- India's batting line-up displayed impressive strength and depth.
- Manjrekar emphasized the importance of learning from this series.
- With Gill and Pant still at the crease, India is poised for a huge total.
New Delhi, June 21 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar asserts that the centuries scored by Indian captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal on the first day of the inaugural Test against England are significant advantages for the visiting team.
India's batting strength was evident as KL Rahul and vice-captain Rishabh Pant also contributed valuable runs, leading the team to a commanding score of 359/3 by the end of play on Friday.
Gill, making his captaincy debut in the Test format, showcased his leadership by scoring his first overseas century, marking his arrival in the captaincy role with great flair. Jaiswal also impressed, marking his maiden Test in England with a century.
Manjrekar highlighted India's encouraging start to the Test series and the overall benefits for the team.
“This is a point I have consistently made throughout the series - many people inquire about the possible outcome, whether India will triumph or falter. However, I have reiterated: India has everything to gain from this series, with nothing to lose. We’ve already witnessed significant developments on Day 1 alone. Shubman Gill has achieved his first significant overseas hundred. Yashasvi Jaiswal has proven he can excel on English pitches, not just at home. KL Rahul appeared solid, and Rishabh Pant is rediscovering his form. These are remarkable positives,” he expressed on Match Centre Live after Day 1.
Manjrekar evaluated Gill’s performance as captain and commended his batting technique.
“Let me take you back to when he was appointed captain - I initially opposed it. I believed Jasprit Bumrah would have been a more suitable choice, without considering the long-term implications. I doubted it would be the right call at the time. But would Shubman Gill fail as captain? Absolutely not. We always knew he would manage the pressures of captaincy without affecting his batting.
“My only concern was his development, particularly in overseas conditions. However, today he tackled crucial technical aspects that had previously hindered him from scoring big overseas. Yes, the pitch was favorable and the bowling not overly challenging, but once those technical deficiencies were addressed, his temperament became a notable asset,” the former player reflected.
With Gill unbeaten on 127 and Pant on 65 not out, India is poised to set a substantial first-innings total at Headingley on Day 2.
Point of View
It's clear that India's cricketing future is bright with young talents like Gill and Jaiswal stepping up. Their performances not only reflect individual brilliance but also signify a collective strength that can lead India to new heights in international cricket. The series against England presents a valuable opportunity for growth, and these early successes are promising.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Gill and Jaiswal's centuries?
Gill and Jaiswal's centuries mark a strong start for India in the Test series, showcasing their skills in challenging conditions and providing a solid foundation for the team's success.
How did Manjrekar assess Gill's captaincy?
Manjrekar acknowledged Gill's leadership abilities and highlighted his technical improvements, emphasizing that Gill is capable of managing the pressures of captaincy effectively.
What are the implications for India's cricketing future?
The performances of young players like Gill and Jaiswal indicate a promising future for Indian cricket, suggesting that the team can achieve greater success on the international stage.
