Shubman Gill Batted Like Bradman: India’s New Era Begins with Historic Edgbaston Triumph
Shubman Gill batted like Bradman – this was the bold yet heartfelt remark by former India head coach Ravi Shastri after Gill’s spectacular performance in the second Test of the India vs England 2025 series at Edgbaston, Birmingham. With India trailing 1-0 in the five-match Test series, the pressure was immense. But Gill rose like a true champion, hammering 269 runs in the first innings and following it up with another masterclass of 161 in the second innings. Shubman Gill batted like Bradman
🔥 A Historic Knock Under Pressure
Coming into the second Test, Shubman Gill had already impressed with a 147 in the first Test at Headingley, but that knock wasn’t enough to prevent India’s defeat. The team needed not just runs, but leadership and intent — and Gill provided both. Shubman Gill batted like Bradman
Opening the innings under overcast skies, Gill took on England’s seasoned attack with remarkable poise. Mark Wood’s pace, James Anderson’s swing, and Ollie Robinson’s discipline — none could disturb Gill’s concentration.
His first innings score of 269 off 379 balls included 32 fours and 4 sixes, marking the highest-ever individual score by an Indian Test captain on foreign soil — breaking Virat Kohli’s 254 against South Africa (2019) in Pune.
🗣️ Ravi Shastri’s Bradman Comparison
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast alongside Nasser Hussain, Michael Atherton, and Dinesh Karthik, Ravi Shastri didn’t mince words:
“The best by a captain. 10 out of 10. You are 1-0 down in the series, and you come out there and bat like Bradman. 268 (269) and a 161 and you end up winning the game. What more do you want?”
But it wasn’t just about the numbers. Shastri emphasized Gill’s evolution as a leader:
“Your captaincy was very reactive in the first Test. You followed the ball. But in the next game, you were proactive. You’ve probably just unearthed India’s best seamer for English conditions by backing Akash Deep.”
📈 Gill’s Record-Breaking Stats in the Edgbaston Test
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1st Innings: 269 runs off 379 balls
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2nd Innings: 161 runs off 227 balls
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Total Match Runs: 430
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Fours/Sixes Combined: 50+
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India’s Winning Margin: 336 runs (Biggest away Test win in Indian history)
Shubman Gill’s 430-run match aggregate is now the third-highest in Test cricket history, behind only Graham Gooch and Mark Taylor. Shubman Gill batted like Bradman
🧠 Tactical Brilliance from a Young Captain
Shubman Gill’s brilliance extended far beyond his batting.
His decision to bring in Akash Deep as an additional seamer proved crucial. Akash Deep took five wickets across both innings, exploiting England’s susceptibility against pace on moving wickets.
His usage of spinners was equally strategic — Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar bowled in partnership to tie down the England middle order in both innings, forcing errors and building pressure.
Gill also trusted Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal with key roles in the field, shuffling positions to counter England’s aggressive “Bazball” style. Shubman Gill batted like Bradman
🏆 Turning the Tide – India Level the Series
After the 5-wicket loss at Headingley, many questioned Gill’s captaincy. But this second Test marked a massive turnaround. The 336-run win not only leveled the series 1-1, but also gave India vital momentum heading into the third Test at Lord’s starting July 10. Shubman Gill batted like Bradman
This victory is already being touted as the turning point of the series — and perhaps of Gill’s leadership journey.
👑 The Arrival of Shubman Gill: A New Indian Era
At just 25 years old, Shubman Gill has now scored over 2000 Test runs, led India to a historic away win, and broken longstanding captaincy records. Shubman Gill batted like Bradman
Cricket analysts, including Ian Bishop and Wasim Jaffer, have already started comparing Gill’s temperament to that of Rahul Dravid, while his shot-making reminds many of VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar.
But it was Ravi Shastri’s Bradman comparison that has truly elevated Gill’s stature.
🔍 Social Media Buzz – Fans in Awe
Cricket fans erupted across platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit:
@CricketLover91: “This is not Gill 2.0, this is Gill 10.0 – straight up Bradman stuff!”
@StatsWizard: “Shubman Gill’s 430-run match total is the 3rd highest ever in Test cricket. ICONIC.”
@BharatCricket: “If this is how he bats under pressure, give him the crown already.”
📆 What’s Next – The Road to Lord’s
With the next match set for July 10 at Lord’s, all eyes will be on how England responds to this emphatic defeat. Will they bring back Ben Foakes? Will James Anderson be rested? Shubman Gill batted like Bradman
Meanwhile, for India, the question is simple — how long can Shubman Gill maintain this Bradman-like form?
🔚 Conclusion: Not Just a Century, But a Statement
Shubman Gill’s twin centuries were not just about numbers; they were statements of intent, composure, and leadership.
In the words of Ravi Shastri, “You can’t ask for anything more from a captain.”
As the Test series progresses, Shubman Gill’s bat — and brain — might just script the dawn of a new golden age in Indian cricket. Shubman Gill batted like Bradman
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