NEW DELHI: India were dealt a major blow early on Day 4 of the first Test at Headingley in Leeds, as captain Shubman Gill was dismissed cheaply after his heroic knock in the first innings. Gill, who had scored a sublime 147 to lead India’s charge, was bowled by a stunning delivery from England pacer Brydon Carse.Carse delivered a good-length ball just outside off stump. Gill attempted a cut shot but was cramped for room; the ball took a thick inside edge and crashed into the stumps. He stood in disbelief, glancing back at his shattered stumps more than once before walking off with a dejected look. Carse, meanwhile, roared in celebration, having claimed a prized wicket.Gill had played a true captain’s knock in his debut outing as India’s Test skipper, registering his maiden Test hundred as captain — a commanding 147 that came at a pivotal time in the five-match series.Poised for a potential double century, Gill’s innings ended when he attempted an aggressive slog-flick off spinner Shoaib Bashir. With mid-wicket left open, Gill went for the big shot but mistimed it — the ball caught the inside half of his bat and flew straight to Josh Tongue at deep square leg. He seemed to be eyeing 150 in style, but the stroke cut short a stellar innings.Gill has taken over the Test captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the longest format ahead of the England tour.
With a youthful squad under his leadership, Gill is aiming to break a long-standing drought — India’s last Test series win in England came in 2007 under Rahul Dravid. Before that, historic victories came in 1971 under Ajit Wadekar and in 1986 under Kapil Dev.Now, under the calm yet expressive leadership of Shubman Gill, India hope to script a fresh chapter in their Test history — and his emotional 147 in Leeds may well be the opening page of that story.
