With three centuries in first two Tests already, India's young Test captain Shubman Gill has a chance to break legendary Don Bradman's record for most runs in a five-Test series which was cleared in Ashes 1930. Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar does not only believe that Gill will break his record for India or Bradman's, but backs him to become first-ever batter to score 1,000 runs in a five-Test series.
Gill has scored 585 runs from four innings already, including three centuries. Gavaskar holds the Indian record for most runs in a Test series. On the tour of West Indies in 1970/71, Gavaskar scored 774 runs from eight innings at an average of 154.80, including four centuries and three fifties.
"He is a worthy contender. I think Lord’s is where that record will go. The purity of his technique is wonderful to watch. He’s got all the shots in the book, and more importantly, he has the wonderful ability to shoulder the responsibility of the team," Gavaskar told India Today.
"Records are meant to be broken. I would be delighted if another ‘SG’ takes that record," he added.
Bradman created the record in 1930 on England soil. From just seven innings, he scored 974 runs at an average of 139.14. He scored four centuries including a 334-run knock.
"I think more than that (Bradman’s record), what would be truly amazing is if he becomes the first-ever batter to score 1000 runs in a series. There are a minimum of six innings left in the series. And with the kind of form he’s shown, there’s every hope that he can set records that would be virtually impossible to break," Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar in awe of Gill's captaincy style
Gavaskar also lauded Gill for his calm demeanour as captain, making it easier for the players. He believes that Gill should stick to his style of captaincy and not try to be like anyone else.
"I mean, he got a hundred in his first Test. Now, a hundred in each innings of the second Test. Captaincy sits lightly on his shoulders, and he has a pleasant air about him on the field. Yes, he is very competitive. Yes, he wants wickets. But there’s just this pleasant air about him, which makes life easier for all those playing under him," the 74-year-old said.
"I do believe he doesn’t have to change his style. What he is—the calmness he shows while batting—is the same calmness he has brought into his captaincy. That’s his style, and he should stick to it. It works well for him," he concluded.
India's next Test
The third Test of the series will commence on July 10 at Lord's, London. India have played 19 Tests at the venue, won three, lost 12 whereas four ended in a draw. India and England's previous clash at the Lord's was in 2021. India won the Test by 151 runs.