Shubman Gill Aims for History with Record-Breaking Performance vs England

Shubman Gill is the talk of the town in cricket circles presently due to his unthinkable performance in the current Test series between India and England. With only two tests completed out of five against the schedule, Gill has already amassed 585 runs. That in itself is a mind-boggling feat but the thrill is in what is yet to come. If Gill continues to bat as he did in Leeds and Birmingham he might shatter four huge world records three of them owned by none other than the great Sir Donald Bradman.

Gill's bat consistence has amazed cricket fans and experts worldwide. Nobody anticipated such dominance at this early stage in the series and yet look where we are with the Indian captain compared to one of the all-time greats. Not only is he scoring runs, he is scoring runs under pressure and in varied conditions against the potent English bowling attack. This is evidence that his ability temperament and desire to win are at their best. He has demonstrated that he is capable of performing on the big stage and his play in the coming matches can make him part of cricket history.

One of the significant records that Gill can break is for the highest number of runs in a single Test series. This record is held by Sir Don Bradman who scored 974 runs in the 1930 Ashes series. For Gill to break this he requires 390 runs more which looks quite achievable with three matches remaining and six more innings to play. If he maintains the same pace he can even go much beyond this mark and create a new record that cannot be touched for a very, very long time.

Another significant record Gill is closing in on is the most runs by a captain in one Test series. Bradman still owns this record with 810 runs during the 1936-37 Ashes. Gill is still 225 runs short of the record. With his current average and form this appears an easily achievable goal. To be a captain and to score so heavily is not a cakewalk but Gill is demonstrating that he possesses the leadership trait and concentration to excel at both roles.

What adds to this achievement even more is the manner in which he is scoring. There is also a possibility of Gill becoming the quickest player in the history of Test cricket to score 1000 runs as a captain. Bradman repeated this record by achieving it in only 11 innings. Gill has already achieved 585 in merely 4 innings which is way beyond the curve. If he continues playing with the same regularity he might set a new record which will make the world of cricket take even greater notice of his abilities.

Gill is also pursuing the record for most centuries in one Test series. Bradman had four centuries as a captain and the overall record belongs to West Indies great Clyde Walcott who scored five centuries in a series against Australia in 1955. Gill has already scored several centuries in this series and has just one more to equal Bradman and two more to draw even with Walcott. This also appears to be within reach because the manner in which he is placing the ball and constructing his innings is a strong indication of a batsman at his best.

There is a further uncommon and unique milestone that Gill can achieve which no one on earth including Bradman has ever done. That is reaching 1000 runs within a five-match Test series. No batsman has yet reached the 1000-run barrier in such a sequence and Gill stands a good chance of doing so. With three games and six innings remaining the task is daunting but by no means impossible. With the way he is batting so freely and how intent he appears there is a real feeling that he might pull it off.

What adds to Gill's run is the manner in which he has demonstrated maturity at a very early age. Being a captain is not simple and being capable of managing leadership duties along with scoring heavily as a batsman is even more challenging. But he appears to be relaxed and composed on the field and leading from the front while also guiding his team. His method appears sound his shot choice is intelligent and his physical fitness is enabling him to continue playing long innings without the loss of energy or concentration.

Players and fans from his past have already begun drawing comparisons between him and legends from the past and though it might still be in the beginning of his captaincy so far there is no doubt in anyone's mind that Gill possesses the capability to be a legend in Indian cricket. Even Sourav Ganguly has expressed caution stating that it is too early in the series but also conceded that Gill's performance has been excellent till now.

The next game at Lord's is going to be the make-or-break one. It is a venue that has a lot of history and pride and Gill would definitely want to carry his golden touch further there. If he gets another big score he may draw nearer to all these records as well as improve India's prospects of winning the series as well. His form is not only vital for breaking records but also for the team's success as a whole in such an intense series.

Cricket enthusiasts from all over the world will be eagerly looking as the young Indian skipper marches ahead in this series that will be remembered for ages to come. If he can successfully break even two or three of these records his name will be etched in history books of Test cricket for eternity. Shubman Gill is not only playing cricket today he is creating history with each and every run he makes.