Shubman Gill's record-breaking 269 against England at Edgbaston wasn’t just a display of skill — it was also a story of patience, adaptability, and mentorship. After becoming the highest-scoring Indian captain in Test history on July 3, Gill opened up about the struggles early in his innings and the pivotal role India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir played in helping him through it.
Gill recalled how, despite settling in, he was unable to pierce the gaps and kept hitting the fielders. Speaking to the broadcasters, he said:
“I was around 35-40 runs by Tea after facing nearly 100 balls. I went to the dressing room and told GG Bhai (Gambhir) that I wasn’t getting boundaries, just finding fielders. He told me to just hang in — the runs will come.”
That advice proved decisive. Gill returned after the break with renewed patience and composure, eventually converting his slow start into a mammoth innings.
What’s particularly notable is Gill’s technical transformation in this series. He shared that he began tweaking his stance and initial movement during the IPL 2025 season itself, preparing early for the challenges of red-ball cricket.
“I was batting nicely but kept getting out after 30–40. I felt I was trying too hard. So I made changes to my technique — starting with my stance — and decided to enjoy my batting.”
Gill acknowledged that the switch from T20 to Tests isn’t easy, especially mentally. In IPL’s aggressive environment, chasing the ball becomes instinctive, something he had to consciously unlearn. That’s why, even during the IPL, he began red-ball practice to reset his game:
“Transitioning from T20 to Tests is tough. Your mindset needs to change. So, I started preparing during the IPL by practising with the red ball.”
This century marks a new high in Gill’s career — not only statistically, with 424 runs in three innings — but also symbolically, as it reflects his evolution into a mature, methodical Test cricketer and leader under the guidance of a coach like Gambhir.
