When Shubman Gill was dismissed for just 11 runs in the second innings of the final Test against England at The Oval, it brought his incredible series to an end. But what a campaign it was. Gill, leading India from the front, scored a whopping 754 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.4. It was a truly outstanding performance.
In the process, he broke several records. Shubman Gill now holds the highest individual Test score by an Indian in England, the highest by an Indian captain, the most runs by an Asian batter in a Test series in England, the top score for India in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia), and the most runs by an Indian in any Test series abroad.
The one milestone he narrowly missed was breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s legendary record for the most runs by an Indian in a single Test series. Shubman Gill fell just 21 runs short of Gavaskar’s iconic 774-run mark set back in 1971 against the West Indies. That record still stands as the most runs scored in a debut Test series by any player.
Even though their performances came more than 50 years apart, there are some striking similarities between what Shubman Gill and Sunil Gavaskar achieved overseas. They’re still the only two Indian batters to score over 750 runs in a single Test series. Here’s a look at what connects these two remarkable efforts – one from 1971, the other from 2025:
1. Four Centuries Each:
Both Shubman Gill and Sunil Gavaskar notched up four hundreds in their respective series. They were the standout performers in India’s batting lineup, scoring freely against top-quality bowling attacks in unfamiliar conditions. That’s no easy feat away from home.
2. One Big Double Hundred:
Both players turned one of their centuries into a double. Gavaskar hit 220 in the last Test, while Gill smashed 269 in the second match.
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3. Played in a Five-Test Series:
Each series had five Tests. Gavaskar missed the first one due to a finger injury, so he played four. Gill played all five and was also the captain.
4. A Hundred and Double in One Test:
Both scored a century and a double century in the same match. Gavaskar made 124 and 220 in one game. Gill got 161 and 269 in a single Test. Gill’s effort helped India win, while Gavaskar’s knock saved a draw.
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