By A Landmark Innings and a Father’s Gentle Nudge
In a historic outing at Edgbaston, Indian captain Shubman Gill etched his name in the record books with a monumental knock of 269 runs in the second Test against England. At just 25, Gill became the first Indian Test captain to score a double century in England, shattering a series of longstanding records and leading India into a commanding position.
But as the cricketing world celebrated his brilliance, a familiar voice brought Gill back down to earth: that of his father, Lakhwinder Gill.
In a heartfelt video shared by the BCCI on Friday, Gill played an audio message from his father, who expressed immense pride in his son’s performance — yet couldn’t resist pointing out what many wouldn’t dare say.
History Rewritten at Edgbaston
Shubman Gill’s 387-ball masterclass of 269 wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a moment of national pride. The innings made him:
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The first Indian captain to score a Test double century in England.
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The highest individual scorer by an Indian in England, surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s iconic 221 at The Oval in 1979.
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The highest-scoring Indian Test captain ever, going past Virat Kohli’s 254 against South Africa* in 2019.
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The first Asian captain to register a double hundred in a Test in England.
The feat also marked Gill’s first Test double hundred and the highest First-Class score of his career, eclipsing his previous best of 268 for Punjab against Tamil Nadu in 2018.
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A Family Moment Shared With Millions
The video shared by BCCI added an emotional touch to the cricketing celebration. In the audio, Gill’s father, Lakhwinder, is heard appreciating his son’s batting with the affection only a parent can convey.
Joining him in praise was Shubman’s mother, Keart Kaur Gill, who simply said, “Felt amazing watching you bat, keep going, God bless you.”
For Shubman, the words were more than just praise. They were a reminder of his journey — from Mohali’s dusty nets under his father’s supervision to becoming a record-breaking Test captain for India.
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The Influence of Two Voices
Shubman Gill’s relationship with his father is well known among Indian cricket fans. Lakhwinder Gill, a former farmer, gave up his livelihood to support his son’s cricketing dreams, going so far as to create a private pitch near their home in Punjab. That sacrifice and discipline have shaped Gill’s foundation as a cricketer.
Gill also acknowledged the influence of his best friend Khushpreet Aulakh, another key figure in his cricketing journey.
This tight inner circle, rooted in family and lifelong friendship, seems to ground the young Indian captain even amid roaring success.
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A Knock for the Ages — and What Could Have Been
While fans and pundits marveled at the effortless strokeplay, composure, and technical precision of Gill’s innings, many also pondered what might have been. Falling 31 runs short of a triple century, Gill missed the rare chance to join Virender Sehwag (twice) and Karun Nair in the elusive club of Indian triple-centurions in Test cricket.
His dismissal — chasing a wide delivery late on Day 3 — drew a collective sigh from fans, but perhaps the most telling response was his father’s half-joking disappointment. That sentiment captures the unrelenting ambition that defines great athletes — and those who shape them.
Reaction from the Cricketing World
Social media was abuzz with reactions from former players and experts.
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Virat Kohli, in a post on Instagram, wrote: “Pure class @shubmangill. The future is already here. Proud moment for India.”
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Sunil Gavaskar, in commentary, remarked: “This is the kind of innings that inspires generations. To do it as captain in England — magnificent.”
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Ravi Shastri tweeted: “Take a bow, Shubman Gill. Commanding. Elegant. Relentless.”
Fans, meanwhile, flooded platforms with hashtags like #Gill269, #ShubmanGill, and #CaptainCool269, celebrating both the record and the humility that followed it.
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What’s Next for Gill?
With the series tied and India in a dominant position in the ongoing Test, Shubman Gill’s captaincy — both with the bat and in his leadership on the field — is earning widespread praise. His calm demeanor, calculated aggression, and ability to lead from the front are seen as strong indicators of a long and successful tenure as captain.
Beyond the current match, the spotlight will continue to shine on him as India eyes the World Test Championship final next year and prepares for overseas tours in Australia and South Africa.
For now, however, Gill remains grounded, eyes focused on the next innings, with his father’s words — and the missed triple hundred — echoing in his mind.
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Final Word
In a world often swept up by statistics and records, Shubman Gill’s story is a reminder of the human moments behind historic achievements. A proud father’s praise, a gentle reminder of missed greatness, and a son who remains humble despite towering accomplishments.
His 269 at Edgbaston may go down in history as one of India’s finest Test innings on foreign soil — but for Shubman Gill, it’s just another step in a journey driven by passion, discipline, and the desire to make his family proud.
And perhaps, next time, he’ll finish what he started — all 300 of it.
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