Cricket legends including Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh applaud Gill and Jaiswal’s stellar knocks as India fight back strong in the second Test at Edgbaston
New Delhi [India], July 3: Rising stars Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal lit up Edgbaston on Day One of the second Test between India and England, earning widespread praise from cricketing legends including Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Mohammad Kaif for their composed and commanding performances at the crease.
After England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to field — mirroring the decision from the series opener — India made strategic changes to their batting lineup. Jaiswal and KL Rahul opened the innings, while Karun Nair was promoted to number three, replacing the dropped Sai Sudharsan.
However, the early session brought trouble for India. KL Rahul managed just 2 runs before chopping one back onto his stumps. Karun Nair, who narrowly escaped an early lbw decision, played a scrappy but brief innings of 31 before being dismissed just before lunch.
From there, it was the Jaiswal-Gill show. The pair weathered England’s bowling attack and took control of the innings. Jaiswal smashed a fluent 87 off 107 balls, setting the tone with aggressive intent, while Test captain Gill anchored the innings, staying unbeaten on 114 off 216 balls at stumps. Their partnership powered India to 310/5, despite a brief post-tea collapse.
Praise From the Greats: Tendulkar, Yuvraj, Kaif, and More
Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar was among the first to applaud the duo’s performance, praising their contrast in approach and execution.
“@ybj_19 set the tone from ball one. He was positive, fearless and smartly aggressive. @ShubmanGill was cool as ever, calm under pressure, solid in defence and in total control. Classy knocks from both. Well played, boys!” Sachin wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Mohammad Kaif highlighted the symbolic significance of Gill batting at number four, a position previously held by icons like Sachin and Virat Kohli.
“Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and now Shubman Gill… India is always blessed to have a solid world class batsman at No. 4. May this continue forever. Gill continuing a great tradition,” Kaif posted.
Irfan Pathan, also impressed, made a bold prediction:
“I have no doubt in my mind two batters from this young Indian team will take the Test team forward. YASHASVI JAISWAL & SHUBMAN GILL.”
Captaincy Pressure? Not for Gill, Say Former Stars
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer praised how Gill has handled the dual pressure of batting at No. 4 and leading the side.
“Being India’s number 4 and Test captain comes with a different pressure altogether. Really good to see it has not affected his batting one bit — in fact, it’s elevated it. Well played @ShubmanGill #ENGvIND.”
Yuvraj Singh, Gill’s mentor and former India all-rounder, celebrated his protégé’s back-to-back Test centuries as captain.
“When responsibility calls, some rise and some soar! @ShubmanGill just became one of the rare few to score consecutive hundreds as Test captain! A calm head, a bold bat and a hunger to lead by example,” Yuvraj posted.
Lower Order Wobbles, but Gill and Jadeja Rally
After Jaiswal’s dismissal, Rishabh Pant attempted to mount a recovery with a brief 25-run cameo before miscuing a lofted shot into Ben Stokes’ hands. Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy fell for just 1, bowled by Chris Woakes.
Unfazed, Gill partnered with Ravindra Jadeja, stitching an unbeaten 99-run stand to close the day with India in a strong position. England’s relatively inexperienced bowling attack struggled to break through the duo’s composed resistance.
Day One Summary:
As India continues to nurture its next generation of Test stars, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal appear ready to carry the mantle — with legends and fans alike watching closely.