(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Shubman Gill Leads India to Historic Test Victory at Edgbaston, Series Now Level at 1-1
India celebrated a major milestone on Monday as newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill led his side to their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, leveling the five-match series against England at 1-1.
This emphatic 336-run victory marks a turning point for Team India in the series and highlights Gill’s rise as a dynamic young leader.
🌟 A Captain’s Knock: Gill Makes History
At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill became the youngest Indian Test captain to secure an overseas win, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s record from 1976. In his second Test as skipper, Gill scored a breathtaking 269 and 161, powering India to victory and silencing critics who questioned his overseas batting record.
India’s previous record at Edgbaston was dismal, with seven defeats and one draw in eight appearances. That changed in spectacular fashion.
🗞️ “New captain, new India,” headlined The Indian Express, celebrating the fresh era of Indian cricket under Gill’s leadership.
💬 Legends React: “Shublime” and Fearless
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar hailed Gill’s effort as a “Shublime innings from the man of the moment.” He applauded India’s aggressive strategy, stating the team “took England out of the game” by dictating terms from the start.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who retired before the series, praised India’s fearlessness and intensity:
“Brilliantly led by Shubman with the bat and in the field. Special mention to Siraj and Akash Deep for their bowling heroics.”
🔥 Akash Deep: The New Bowling Sensation
With Jasprit Bumrah rested, Akash Deep seized the moment, delivering a phenomenal 10-wicket match haul. His second innings figure of 6-99 included a spectacular delivery that dismissed world No. 1 Test batter Joe Root, hailed by Tendulkar as the “ball of the series.”
Former captain Sourav Ganguly credited the win to India’s bowling depth, calling Akash and Siraj “workhorses” who dominated the English batting lineup.
🗞️ Indian Media Reacts: “Drowning Street” and “Edg-bastian Breached”
The Indian press had a field day with clever headlines:
-
The Times of India: “Deep’s 10 send Eng to Drowning Street”
-
Hindustan Times: “Edg-bastian Breached”
-
Indian Express: “Gill Breaks the Fortress”
📍 What’s Next: Third Test at Lord’s
With the series now level at 1-1, all eyes turn to Lord’s, where the third Test begins on Thursday. Momentum is with India, and expectations are high as Shubman Gill and his team aim to take the lead.
📢 Final Thoughts
India’s victory at Edgbaston underlines the dawn of a new cricketing era, led by a bold and young captain backed by a lethal bowling attack. With both bat and ball firing, the Men in Blue are looking stronger than ever in their quest to conquer English soil.
