How Special Is Gill's First Win as Test Captain at Edgbaston?

Birmingham, July 7 (NationPress) India’s captain Shubman Gill expressed that achieving his inaugural Test victory as captain at Edgbaston, a venue where India had never triumphed before, made the win even more significant for him. India clinched a remarkable 336-run victory in the second Test against England, leveling the five-match series at 1-1.

Gill has displayed exceptional form with the bat during the initial matches of the tour. In just four innings so far, he has amassed 585 runs at an impressive average of 146.25, making him the leading run-scorer in the series. His scores of 269 and 161 (totaling 430 runs) at Edgbaston mark the second-highest Test aggregate by a player, following Graham Gooch's 456 against India at Lord's in 1990.

Reflecting on the victory, Gill expressed satisfaction with the team’s ability to post substantial totals in both innings, and praised the bowlers for their performance despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

“I’m thrilled about our win. Regardless of how many runs one scores, a personal achievement feels hollow without a team victory. This being my first win as a Test captain at a location where India had never succeeded before adds to the significance. Motivation remains constant, win or lose,” said Gill on JioHotstar.

“After losing the first Test, we didn’t panic. We have recovered from 0-1 before. We recognized that consistently scoring 400–450 runs would enable our bowlers to reclaim the match,” he added.

“There were doubts about our capability to secure 20 wickets and score substantial runs. However, we were close in the last match too. If we had capitalized on half the chances, the outcome could have varied. I’m particularly proud of our pace bowlers. When your fast bowlers take 16–17 wickets, it simplifies the captain's role. Although Bumrah was absent, India has considerable depth. The bowlers demonstrated they are among the nation’s finest and can capture 20 wickets in any conditions,” he said.

Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron praised India’s assertive response and historic milestones. “This is how you convey to a team that plays aggressive cricket that we can match them and triumph. India must recognize its ability to win without Jasprit Bumrah, whose importance was overstated leading into this Test,” he noted.

“Shubman Gill has made significant strides — he’s the first player to score 200+ and 150+ in the same Test. India surpassed the 1,000-run mark in a Test match for the initial time. It’s a series of firsts — Gill’s first win as Test captain, India’s inaugural win at Edgbaston, and possibly India’s first Test victory in England in several years. It’s a blend of milestones,” he added.

On Gill’s leadership qualities, Aaron remarked, “He remains composed, displaying a greater presence of mind than his years suggest. His batting style exudes the experience of a veteran with 100 Tests. There’s profound maturity in his batting and leadership. Test cricket ultimately reflects one’s character. When tested for over 150 overs, a player’s true nature emerges. Gill’s demeanor is calm and measured, yet beneath it lies a burning ambition.”

“That passion leads to performances like this. What struck me most was his remark about Prasidh Krishna. It reflects his commitment to ensuring players feel secure in their roles. A commendable captain values effort, not merely results. For instance, Siraj put in a solid effort in the last Test without taking wickets, but delivered in this match. When players know their captain appreciates them, they tend to give even more,” he concluded.

The upcoming third Test of the series is scheduled to take place at Lord's starting July 10, with Bumrah anticipated to return to the playing XI.