Cricket has always seen captains lead from the front—not just with decisions, but with the bat in hand, blazing trails for their teams. For India, producing batting legends who also captained with flourish is a lasting tradition. Scoring heavily in a single Test series, while bearing the burden of captaincy, is the mark of rare cricketing genius. In 2025, Shubman Gill etched his name in history by breaking a long-standing record against England.
Shubman Gill’s majestic performance on display against England
India’s 2025 England tour will be remembered as the series when Gill transformed from a prodigious talent into an unstoppable force of nature. Taking charge as captain, Gill’s approach combined composure, intent, and artistry rarely witnessed at the highest level. From the opening Test, Gill stamped his authority, pivoting India from precarious positions, setting up match-winning totals, and grinding England’s bowling into submission.
Gill has been in sensational form, establishing himself as the leading run-scorer in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a remarkable 737 runs in nine innings, including four centuries. The young captain’s series began with a brilliant 147 in the first Test at Headingley, followed by a monumental 269 and 161 in the second Test at Edgbaston, showcasing his dominance.
While he had a quiet outing with 170 in the third Test at Lord’s, he bounced back with a crucial 103 in the second innings of the fourth Test at Old Trafford to help India secure a draw. His run-scoring spree continued into the first innings of the fifth Test at The Oval, where he has already scored 15 not out, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar‘s long-standing record for the most runs by an Indian captain in a single Test series. With an incredible average of 90.25, Gill is just 38 runs shy of eclipsing Gavaskar’s record for the most runs by any Indian batter in a bilateral Test series, a testament to his prolific run and captaincy debut.
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Here’s a look at his remarkable feat and how it stands alongside other legendary Indian captaincy performances:
- Shubman Gill – 733* runs vs England (2025)
Gill’s historic tally in 2025 stands at the summit, he broke a record that had stood for nearly five decades. Beyond numbers, his leadership and the confidence he infused in a young Indian side saw the team conquer challenging English conditions. Gill’s innings, for sheer weight of runs and their decisive impact—pushed him into the pantheon of great Indian cricketing leaders.
2. Sunil Gavaskar – 732 runs vs West Indies (1978/79)
Before Gill’s run-glut, the revered Sunil Gavaskar’s 732 against a fierce West Indies attack was India’s gold standard. Playing against an array of dominant pace bowlers, Gavaskar’s resilience and technical brilliance came to the fore. In an era lacking modern protective gear, Gavaskar’s monumental series—marked by three centuries—was a testament to skill and courage.
3. Virat Kohli – 655 runs vs England (2016/17)
Virat Kohli’s 2016/17 home series against England was a masterclass in Test batting. Kohli, already revered for his intensity and hunger, displayed unrelenting consistency and flair. His 655 runs included pivotal knocks that tilted the series India’s way, particularly a breathtaking 235-run blitz in Mumbai. Kohli’s penchant for massive innings provided the bedrock for India’s dominance and showcased his ability to lead by example.
4. Virat Kohli – 610 runs vs Sri Lanka (2017/18)
Kohli features repeatedly among India’s most prolific captain-batters, underscoring his role in India’s Test resurgence. In the 2017/18 series against Sri Lanka, his 610 runs came with trademark aggression and controlled flamboyance. Twin double-hundreds fueled his tally, as he systematically dismantled bowling attacks and marshaled his troops with distinction throughout the rubber.
5. Virat Kohli – 593 runs vs England (2018)
Rounding out the top five is yet another Kohli masterclass, 593 sterling runs in England, 2018. In seam-friendly conditions traditionally tough for Indian batters, Kohli’s technical evolution was on full display. He stood virtually alone, countering masterful bowlers in swinging conditions, and raised his game to meet the moment, helping Indian pride remain intact despite the team’s overall struggles.
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