As the cricketing world’s attention turns to Edgbaston for the second Test between England and India, the stage has been set for a record-breaking spectacle. At stumps on Day 2, India had amassed a formidable 587 in their first innings, with England trailing by 510 runs at 77/3. The highlight of the match was Shubman Gill’s monumental 269, a knock that not only anchored India’s innings but also rewrote the record books for Indian Test captains.
A new benchmark in Birmingham Test by Shubman Gill and company
Gill, newly appointed as India’s Test captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement, has wasted no time stamping his authority on the role. After a century in Leeds, Gill arrived at Birmingham with intent and composure, compiling a majestic 269 off 387 balls—the highest-ever score by an Indian captain in Test cricket. His innings was a blend of discipline and flair, featuring 30 boundaries and 3 sixes, and was constructed with a remarkable 93.28% control percentage, among the best by any batter in England in recent years.
Gill’s double century shattered multiple records:
- Highest score by an Indian captain in Tests, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 254*.
- Highest individual score by an Indian batter on English soil, overtaking Sunil Gavaskar’s 221 at The Oval in 1979.
- First Indian and Asian captain to score a double hundred in a Test match in England.
Supported by key contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Ravindra Jadeja (89), Gill’s knock propelled India to a commanding position, leaving England’s bowlers exhausted after 151 overs in the field. His innings not only provided the backbone for India’s massive total but also set a new standard for future Indian skippers.
Also READ: 3 Indian captains to hit a double century in England ft. Shubman Gill
Top 5 highest scores by Indian Test captains
The history of Indian cricket is studded with memorable captain’s innings, but only a select few have scaled the heights achieved by Gill. Here’s a look at the top five highest scores by Indian skippers in Test cricket:
- Shubman Gill – 269 vs England, Birmingham, 2025
Gill’s 269 was a display of technical excellence and mental fortitude. He dominated the English attack, kept the scoreboard ticking, and shepherded the lower order, ensuring India posted a mammoth total. This innings now stands as the gold standard for Indian captains, both for its magnitude and the context in which it was played.
- Virat Kohli – 254* vs South Africa, Pune, 2019
Kohli’s unbeaten 254 in Pune was a testament to his relentless hunger for runs. Leading from the front, he batted through the innings, displaying his trademark aggression and fitness. His double century set up a comprehensive win for India, underlining his stature as one of the modern greats.
- Virat Kohli – 243 vs Sri Lanka, Delhi, 2017
In Delhi, Kohli’s 243 came in sweltering conditions and against a resilient Sri Lankan attack. The innings was marked by his ability to accelerate at will and tire out the opposition, reinforcing his reputation as a run-machine in home conditions.
- Virat Kohli – 235 vs England, Mumbai, 2017
Kohli’s 235 at the Wankhede was a pivotal knock in a high-scoring encounter. He tackled England’s spinners and seamers with equal authority, guiding India to a position of dominance and an eventual series win.
- MS Dhoni – 224 vs Australia, Chennai, 2013
MS Dhoni’s 224 was a whirlwind innings that changed the complexion of the match. Coming in with India under pressure, he counter-attacked with power and precision, leading India to a memorable victory and setting the tone for the series.