Shubman Gill delivered a career-defining performance in the five-Test series, amassing 754 runs across 10 innings.
A Gesture Beyond Records: Gavaskar Honours Gill’s Grit
India’s Test captain Shubman Gill may have narrowly missed out on breaking one of the most iconic batting records in Indian cricket, but he earned something equally unforgettable—an emotional tribute from the man who once set the standard. On a gripping third day at the Oval, with India striving to level the series against England, post-match scenes turned poignant as Sunil Gavaskar presented Shubman Gill with a signed cap and shirt, recognizing the youngster’s phenomenal performance.
Gill wrapped up the five-Test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a staggering 754 runs in 10 innings—just 21 short of Gavaskar’s long-standing record for most runs in a Test series by an Indian. Despite missing the milestone, Gill’s consistent brilliance was instrumental in India’s competitiveness throughout the series. Gavaskar, part of the broadcast crew, personally approached Gill after the day’s play to hand over the rare memorabilia—a heartfelt salute from one of India’s greatest.
“This is a little cap, which I give to very few people with my signature,” Gavaskar told Gill, making the moment even more special. The 74-year-old legend also shared that he would be donning his ‘lucky jacket’ the following day—the same one he wore during India’s iconic Gabba win in 2021, where a young Gill had carved his name into history with a valiant 91.
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A wholesome moment between Shubman Gill & Sunil Gavaskar 😍#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/2wYhLiMCAR
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 2, 2025
Shubman Gill entered the fifth Test with a golden opportunity to surpass Sunil Gavaskar’s iconic 774-run series record. However, a rare off-game saw him score just 21 and 11, with his second-innings dismissal—off the very first ball after lunch—closing the door on that historic chase. Yet, the 25-year-old still carved his name into the record books. His total of 754 runs is now the highest ever by an Indian Test captain in a single series, overtaking Gavaskar’s 732-run feat from the 1978/79 series against the West Indies—an achievement that had stood unchallenged for 46 years.
Meanwhile, India have put themselves in a commanding position, setting England a daunting target of 374 in the final Test. While time may be on England’s side, the bigger threat looms in the form of India’s ferocious pace unit led by Mohammed Siraj. The third day ended on a high for India, with Siraj bowling Zak Crawley on the final ball to leave England at 50/1, facing an uphill battle on Day 4.