Fans go crazy as Shubman Gill slams hundred on captaincy debut for India in the Leeds Test against England

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Shubman Gill has delivered a captaincy debut to remember, slamming a brilliant century on the opening day of the first Test between England and India at Headingley, Leeds. Leading the side in whites for the very first time, the 24-year-old right-hander rose to the occasion with a knock that was as polished as it was powerful — instantly winning hearts and silencing doubters.

His innings, marked by grace, grit, and a flash of fire, showcased the maturity of a seasoned leader and the hunger of a young cricketer desperate to leave his mark on one of the toughest stages in world cricket.

It came on the second ball of the 75th over. England’s Josh Tongue pitched one up outside off, and Gill didn’t miss a beat. With pristine timing and poise, he leaned into the half-volley and drove it through cover-point for a boundary — the kind of shot that defines Test match elegance. As the ball raced to the fence, Gill erupted in celebration.

Helmet off, arms waving, and a loud “come on” bursting from his lips — it was a release of pent-up passion and ambition. He then hugged Rishabh Pant at the non-striker’s end and turned to acknowledge the Indian fans, arms stretched wide, soaking in the applause. In that instant, the Gill era truly began.

Gill’s knock was built on composure and class. From the moment he walked in, he looked in complete control — judging lengths with confidence and dispatching anything loose. He rotated the strike with ease and capitalised on every scoring opportunity. Whether it was punching off the back foot or driving on the up, Gill made batting look effortless on a day that tested others.

His partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a century of his own, laid a strong platform for India. But it was Gill’s sense of authority, his calm decision-making, and the way he held the innings together that stood out the most.

Also READ: ENG vs IND 2025: Yashasvi Jaiswal registers a unique record with stunning hundred in Leeds Test

As soon as Gill reached the milestone, social media platforms exploded with praise. From former cricketers to passionate fans, everyone acknowledged the significance of his hundred — not just in terms of runs, but in the way it set the tone for India’s campaign in this high-stakes series. Captaining India in a Test match is no easy task, especially in English conditions, but Gill made it look like he was born for the role.

HUNDRED from the Skipper! 💯

First match as Test Captain and Shubman Gill has scored a sublime century! 👏👏

His 6th Ton in Test cricket 🙌

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/CuzAEnBkyu#TeamIndia | #ENGvIND | @ShubmanGill

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 20, 2025

Some things clearly are written in the stars 🌟 Congratulations @ShubmanGill on your first overseas century as Test captain 💯 You clearly understand what a serious responsibility it is and you’ve let your bat do all the talking 🤫 Well done 🤛🏻 and here’s to many more! #INDvsENG

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 20, 2025

That’s the way to Bat .. any youngsters starting out to try and Bat please follow @ShubmanGill .. #ENGvsIND .. a Perfect 💯

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 20, 2025

Captain in the Tests for the first time and delivers a century like a true leader!🔥Proud of you @ShubmanGill calm, composed, and class apart. This is just the beginning, skipper 🫡🇮🇳💯

— Siddharthh Kaul (@iamsidkaul) June 20, 2025

New skipper, new series, what a way to start! A very important hundred of Gill's career. Well played skipper @ShubmanGill 👏🏻 #ENGvIND

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 20, 2025

A treat for the eyes! ✨💯TON it. In Style. 💥#WhistlePodu #ENGvIND 📸 : BCCI

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) June 20, 2025

Shubman Gill you beauty 🤩Started his test captaincy career with an exceptional 💯👏👏A new ear has started 🇮🇳#ShubmanGill #INDvENG

— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) June 20, 2025

Leading from the front 💪🏻 @ShubmanGill #ENGvIND #TeamIndia

— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) June 20, 2025

A new chapter begins for #TeamIndia in Test cricket, led by @ShubmanGill and @RishabhPant17. Two outstanding talents for the country, two individuals who have excelled. The nation has great faith in them. Wishing them and the team a strong and successful series. #INDvsENG

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) June 20, 2025

First game as captain 🤝 First overseas century 🇮🇳

New era started well 👍

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) June 20, 2025

Gill too, rubbing salt into Stokes' coin toss wounds. Hopefully, Icelandic salt.

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) June 20, 2025

Such a classy ton by @ShubmanGill in his first Test as captain. Came in to bat in a tricky situation, but has shown great aptitude and strong attitude to take the team out of trouble into a position from where India can call the shots

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 20, 2025

First hundred as captain for Shubman Gill 👏🔥#ShubmanGill #ENGvIND

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 20, 2025

The transition at no 4 is here. This century from Gill has been fluent, controlled, stylish and has carried an air of inevitability to it.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 20, 2025

.@ShubmanGill Congrats on brilliant and authoritative century on Captaincy debut 👏👏 in #INDvsENG https://t.co/g3dSHwRE9c

— Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) June 20, 2025

Well done, captain! @ShubmanGill scores a century in his first Test as captain.

Along with @ybj_19, and his excellent century, he has put India in a rather strong position on Day 1.

— Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) June 20, 2025

Also READ: Fans go wild as Yashasvi Jaiswal lights up Headingly with dazzling century on Day 1 of first Test – ENG vs IND