By Suraj Nandrekar
Cricket, like history, has a way of remembering the men who conquer time and territory.
For India, Edgbaston was that unconquered fortress. But no more.
In a Test match that will be remembered for rewriting narratives, Shubman Gill didn’t just shine, he roared into history.
With twin masterclasses and a tally exceeding 400 runs, Gill not only led India to a first-ever win at Edgbaston but also stepped out from the shadows of giants and staked his own claim to cricketing royalty.
The “Prince” tag was often used to describe Gill, mostly in admiration and partly in comparison to King Kohli, to Rohit Sharma, to a line of greats before him.
But if there were any doubts about whether he belonged in the same league, they were buried under the weight of his calm dominance in Birmingham.
What stood out wasn’t just the volume of runs, but the quality.
In swinging English conditions, against world-class seamers and the psychological baggage of history, Gill’s composure was striking. He wasn’t playing to prove anything, yet he proved everything.
It’s not just about one Test match. This victory and performance mark a turning point, not just in Gill’s career, but in Indian cricket’s transition.
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket left a gaping hole – not just of a batter, but of a leader, a symbol of aggression and pride.
Many feared India would return to the days of the 90s – talented but timid. But Gill’s performance at Edgbaston said otherwise.
There was poise, yes, but also fire. Not the chest-thumping variety, but the quiet defiance of a player who believes in his team, and more importantly, in himself.
His post-match press conference made headlines for good reason. When a journalist questioned India’s chances of winning in England before the match started, Shubman didn’t duck.
At the match presser, Shubman was searching for the gentleman to reply, but he went missing.
Shubman delivered, first with the bat, then with words. “This was personal,” he seemed to say, not for himself, but for Indian cricket. The ability to take on the opposition and critics alike with such maturity is the hallmark of a leader-in-the-making.
Gill’s batting has always been elegant, but it’s now layered with grit. His ability to build innings, adapt to conditions, and stay unflustered under pressure reflects the evolution from a promising prodigy to a world-class performer. At just 25, he now averages over 50 in Test cricket, and with the burden of leadership, he has become even more focused, not distracted.
This victory is symbolic. India didn’t just win a match, they crossed a psychological barrier. And it was Gill who led them through. He may still be soft-spoken, but make no mistake, the baton has been passed.
Shubman Gill is no longer in waiting. The crown is not up for debate anymore. In the kingdom of Indian cricket, a new king has arrived. And he wears the throne lightly but firmly.
