Despite a moment of recklessness that ended his innings on Day 1, Shubman Gill receives support from India’s assistant coach as he continues rewriting records in a historic Test series against England.
London [UK], August 1:
In cricket, even the most elegant innings can come undone in a split second — and that’s exactly what happened to India’s Test captain Shubman Gill on the opening day of the fifth and final Test at The Oval. His unfortunate run-out for 21 off 35 balls in the 28th over left fans and former cricketers in disbelief. But amid the criticism, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate came forward with a measured and empathetic defence of the young skipper.
A Brilliant Touch, Cut Short by a Rash Call
Gill, who has been in sublime form throughout the series, was once again showing the class that has brought him record-breaking success. Calm, composed, and technically assured, the 25-year-old looked set for another big innings under overcast London skies.
But on just the second delivery of the 28th over, a rush of blood changed the script. Attempting a quick single that was never really on, Gill took off and then froze mid-pitch when he realised the fatal misjudgment. England pacer Gus Atkinson reacted quickly, collected the ball cleanly and hit the stumps in one smooth motion. Gill’s dismissal left India stunned at a time they were trying to build momentum.
Ryan ten Doeschate: “He’s in the touch of his life”
Speaking to reporters after the day’s play, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate showed understanding toward Gill’s lapse in judgment, highlighting both his recent performances and the difficulty of the playing conditions.
“I’m assuming it’s not as frustrating for us as it is for him. He’s in the touch of his life. Again today, he made batting look really easy for the 40 minutes or so he was out there,” said ten Doeschate.
The former Dutch cricketer acknowledged England’s tight bowling spell and praised Gill’s intent in trying to keep the scoreboard ticking.
“England bowled really nicely during that spell. One of the things we discussed during the breaks was how well we were accumulating runs, especially since it wasn’t easy to hit boundaries out there.”
He continued,
“All the batters today accumulated really well around the stumps. It’s about finding the right balance — keeping pressure on bowlers and fielders, and taking runs when possible. It was a misjudgment of a run, no doubt. But given what he’s done in the first four Tests, we’ll let him get away with that one.”
Gill Breaks Gavaskar’s Record, Eyes Test History
While his Day 1 innings ended abruptly, Shubman Gill’s overall impact on this Test series has been monumental. The skipper shattered Sunil Gavaskar’s 45-year-old record for the most runs by an Indian captain in a single Test series. Gavaskar had scored 732 runs during the 1978–79 home series against the West Indies in six Tests and nine innings.
Gill has now amassed 737 runs in just nine innings, at an astounding average of 92.12, including four centuries. His highest score in the series is a majestic 269, and he stands just 38 runs away from becoming the highest run-scorer ever by an Indian in a bilateral Test series — a record Gavaskar still holds.
The Oval Test offers Gill another chance to script history, but his reckless run-out denied him a shot at clinching the record in the first innings itself.
India’s Fightback Led by Karun Nair
After Gill’s untimely departure, India found themselves in a precarious position. But Karun Nair, making a comeback to the side, stood firm under pressure. His unbeaten 52 off 98 balls helped India recover to 204/6 by stumps on Day 1, keeping the visitors afloat in what promises to be a tightly contested final Test.
Conclusion: Forgiveness for a Champion in the Making
For a cricketer in the kind of form that Shubman Gill has shown this series, one mistake does not erase brilliance. While the run-out was a lapse in judgment, it came from a captain trying to push the game forward. Ryan ten Doeschate’s support reflects the management’s trust in Gill — not just as a batter, but as a leader growing into his role.
If history is any guide, Gill will likely bounce back with even greater resolve in the second innings. For now, the cricketing world waits — because every time Shubman Gill walks to the crease, records tremble.