Shubman Gill is on the verge of breaking Sunil Gavaskar's 54-year-old record in the Manchester Test, needing just 168 more runs.
Shubman Gill: The ongoing Test series between India and England has been filled with excitement and records. While England leads the series 2-1, India has a chance to level the series in the fourth Test at Manchester, and Shubman Gill has a golden opportunity to break a historic Indian record. This record belongs to none other than the 'Little Master' Sunil Gavaskar, which has stood firm for the last 54 years.
Gavaskar's Record Etched in History
The brilliance Sunil Gavaskar displayed on the 1970-71 tour of West Indies is still etched in golden letters in the annals of Indian cricket. He scored 774 runs in his debut series itself – 4 centuries and 3 half-centuries at an average of 154.80 in 5 Tests. This record has remained unbroken for the last 54 years, despite numerous legendary batsmen attempting to surpass it.
Gill Showing Glimmers of Form
Now, all eyes are on Shubman Gill, who has scored 607 runs so far in the ongoing 5-match Test series against England. He needs just 168 more runs to break this record. The consistency and aggression seen in Gill's batting suggest that he could reach this milestone in the Manchester Test itself.
Gill's Performance So Far
Gill's bat has been speaking volumes in this series. He has scored three half-centuries and two centuries, and his batting clearly displays not only technical balance but also mental fortitude. He has scored runs in difficult conditions, and has shown a beautiful blend of patience and aggression against England's swing and seam bowling.
Manchester: Where India is Yet to Win
The Old Trafford ground in Manchester has been nothing short of a puzzle for the Indian team. India has played 9 Test matches here so far, but has not won a single match. With 4 losses and 5 draws, India's record is extremely disappointing. In such a situation, Gill has not only a chance for personal glory but also an opportunity to help the team create history.
Captain Gill to the Rescue
Shubman Gill is also leading the team in this series. This is the first time he is captaining in a full Test series. So far, he has impressed everyone with his decisions and field placements. If he not only breaks the record in Manchester but also leads the team to victory, it will give a new dimension to his captaincy as well.
England Prepared for a Tough Fight
However, this is not going to be easy. The England team is in excellent form at the moment and they have consistently kept India under pressure in home conditions. Gill will have to bat with patience and confidence once again in front of experienced players like Anderson, Wood and Stokes.
Opportunity to Create History
Breaking Gavaskar's record will not only be a personal achievement, but it will be like a transformative moment for Indian cricket. It is expected from a young player like Shubman Gill that he will not only break this record, but also add another chapter to his name by giving India its first victory in Manchester.
