Shubman Gill Shines with Milestones in Test Match Against Afghanistan
Shubman Gill Reaches 1,000 Test Runs as Captain
In a remarkable achievement, Shubman Gill crossed the 1,000 Test runs milestone as captain during the One-off Test against Afghanistan at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. This feat makes him the 11th Indian player to reach this landmark, accomplishing it in just 15 innings. He is now the second-fastest Indian captain to achieve this, trailing only Sunil Gavaskar, who did it in 14 innings. Additionally, Gill reached this milestone in a record span of 351 days, the shortest duration for an Indian captain to amass 1,000 runs in Test cricket.
Centuries by Indian Captains
When it comes to the most centuries scored by Indian captains in Test matches, Virat Kohli leads with 20 centuries in 113 innings. Following him are Sunil Gavaskar with 11 centuries in 74 innings, Mohammad Azharuddin with 9 in 78 innings, and Sachin Tendulkar with 7 in 43 innings. Shubman Gill now stands with 6 centuries in just 15 innings.
Rishabh Pant Celebrates 50th Test Match
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also celebrated a significant milestone, marking his 50th Test appearance. Among Indian wicketkeepers, only MS Dhoni (90) and Syed Kirmani (88) have played more Test matches.
India's Dominance on Day 1
India concluded Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in a strong position, scoring 368 for 3 in 85 overs. Skipper Shubman Gill remained unbeaten with 103 runs, while KL Rahul also contributed a century. Rishabh Pant added a well-timed 50, showcasing India's dominance over the Afghan bowling attack. Mohammad Saleem Safi took two wickets, and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi claimed one.
Match Progression
After winning the toss, India opted to bat first, starting with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo provided a solid opening, with Jaiswal hitting a boundary off Ziaur Rahman Sharifi in the first over. India featured six left-handed batsmen, marking only the third instance of this in a playing XI, following two Tests against South Africa last year. Afghanistan struck early, dismissing Jaiswal for 24 runs off 32 balls, caught by the wicketkeeper. Sai Sudharsan replaced him, forming a 55-run partnership with Rahul, leaving India at 96 for 1 at lunch.
Building the Innings
In the second session, Rahul and Gill continued to build their innings, adding 113 runs for the loss of one wicket, bringing the score to 209 for 2. Rahul reached his 21st Test fifty, while Sai Sudharsan scored his third Test half-century before being dismissed for 81 by Safi. Gill remained steady at the crease, anchoring the innings.
Final Session Highlights
During the third session, Rahul achieved his 12th Test century off 164 balls but was dismissed on the next delivery, caught by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, ending a 67-run partnership with Gill. Despite this setback, Gill and Pant maintained India's momentum, with Gill completing his ninth Test half-century shortly after. The pair propelled India past the 300-run mark, with Pant hitting three sixes off Abdul Malik in the 68th over. Gill reached his century in the 83rd over, marking his 11th Test hundred and sixth as captain. Pant also completed his half-century in the final over of the day. India concluded Day 1 at 368 for 3, with Gill not out at 103 off 143 balls and Pant at 50 from 70 deliveries.
Brief Score
Brief score: India 368/3 (Shubman Gill 103*, KL Rahul 100; Mohammad Saleem Safi 2/67) vs Afghanistan.