- By Namrata Vijay
- Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:46 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs ENG 5th Test: Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has described Shubman Gill's tally of 754 runs during the ongoing Test series as much better than his record of scoring 774 runs against the West Indies way back in 1971, which is still the most by an Indian skipper during an away Test series. The ex-Indian cricketer reckoned that Gill just didn't fall behind by 20 runs and has equally well since Gill was leading the team from the front, whereas the legendary cricketer was the baby of the side.
When Gill had played his last innings of the series on Day 3, Gavaskar was seen giving him a gift post stumps, which included a signed cap and a T-shirt, which had 'SG' written on it as it's the same initials for both the cricketers. Gavaskar revealed to Gill that he had prepared the gift as soon as he realised that his record might be broken and said now the youngster will have something to look forward to during the next Test series.
“Well, yes, in anticipation of him going past my record, I had gotten something for him. This is all in God’s hands. But 754 runs, it’s fantastic. The difference is that 754 runs have come with him having the additional responsibility of being the captain," Gavaskar was quoted as saying to Sony Sports network.
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“Mine, I was the baby of the team, it wouldn’t have mattered. If I failed, nobody would have given a hoot. As the captain, I need to score 754 runs. More than 750 runs, where he is making the difference to his side’s fortunes. Don’t go by those 20 runs, just see what those 754 runs have done for Indian cricket," he said.
Gavaskar's tally of scoring 774 runs was quite exceptional. It was not just his debut series but also laid the foundation for becoming the country's legendary cricketer, and it also changed the team's perspective.
Gill did the same. The Ollie Pope-led side were 50/1 at stumps on Day 3 and were trailing by 328 runs. If the visitors can defend it, then the ongoing series will end in a tie, showing that Gill might carry the legacy of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as a Test captain. This will also give Gautam Gambhir the much-needed time since he has struggled as a coach in this format.