Shubman Gill made a memorable start to his captaincy in home Tests, registering a half-century on Day 2 of the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
By achieving this milestone, Gill became the first Indian skipper in 47 years to score a fifty in his maiden home Test as captain, joining the legendary Sunil Gavaskar on this exclusive list.
Gill’s Knock and Historic Milestone
The right-handed batter took 91 balls to reach his fifty, driving a single off Khary Pierre in the 56th over. Gavaskar had accomplished a similar feat in 1978 against the West Indies at Wankhede Stadium, going on to score 205 runs.
Gill, however, could not convert his fifty into a century. He was dismissed by Roston Chase on the final delivery of the 57th over while attempting a reverse sweep. The ball struck his bat sticker and lobbed to slip fielder Justin Greaves, who took a straightforward catch. This marked the second time in Tests that Gill fell playing a reverse sweep off a spinner.
Partnership and Team Performance
Gill shared a 98-run partnership for the third wicket with opener KL Rahul, helping India take the lead after bowling out the West Indies for 162 in their first innings. India’s bowlers dominated, with Mohammed Siraj claiming four wickets and Jasprit Bumrah taking three, restricting the visitors to under 200 runs.
Form and Momentum
Entering the series, Gill had showcased exceptional form in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, amassing 754 runs in five matches and earning the Player of the Series award, despite India drawing the series 2-2.
Series Context
West Indies captain Roston Chase won the toss and elected to bat first. The current Test marks the start of India’s home season, which will also feature a two-match series against South Africa.
