Shubman Gill began his Test leadership tenure with a superb century on the opening day of the first Test against England on Friday (June 20), earning praise from the crowd.
At Leeds’ Headingley Cricket Ground, home side captain Ben Stokes won the toss and asked the opponents to bat first. With an outstanding opening partnership of 91 runs, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone for India in the game. After securely navigating the new-ball threat in the first hour, both appeared to be in excellent form right away and scored without any trouble.
A lack of focus on the part of KL Rahul England made a much-needed breakthrough in the 25th over thanks to Rahul’s 42 at the conclusion of the session. As India entered lunch with 92/2 on the scoreboard, Sai Sudharsan (0) also followed Rahul to the pavilion in the following over.
Shubman Gill stabilized the innings after two quick wickets and led his team from the front in the second session with good intent. At the other end, he received good support from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored his sixth Test century.
After his departure, Rishabh Pant (65*) appeared to the crease and formed an undefeated 138-run partnership with Shubman Gill, putting India in command at 359/3 at stumps on the opening day.
Gill maintained terrific control during his time at the crease on Friday and silenced his detractors with a strong knock of 127* (175), which included 16 fours and one six. Following Shubman Gill’s outstanding batting display during his Test captaincy debut, fans showered him with adulation on social media with amusing memes. The top memes are as follows:
“Pichli baar kya bola tha? flat pitch, ahmedabad… (what did you say last time? Flat pitch, Ahmedabad),” one meme read.
Rohit and Kohli out, who will take responsibility?
Meanwhile Gill and Jaiswal: pic.twitter.com/Ua2dzQ5mXY
— Rajabets 🇮🇳👑 (@rajabetsindia) June 20, 2025Shubman Gill joining legends with MRF bat at no. 4 pic.twitter.com/KTXNUtxmF0
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 20, 2025We hyped Temba Bavuma, now time to post Aura edits for our Captain Shubman Gill 🙇♂️ pic.twitter.com/KZ4jAf4oo3
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) June 20, 2025Gautam Gambhir watching Shubman Gill pic.twitter.com/6uGUjFFXLn
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 20, 2025Kohli 🤝 Gill #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/YWkTlKogin
— Rajabets 🇮🇳👑 (@rajabetsindia) June 20, 2025Shubman Gill 🔥#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/8AmWAqJfKg
— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) June 20, 2025Shubman Gill Era
Century ✍️🔥#INDvsENG England pic.twitter.com/CIWsCl95fO
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) June 20, 2025Congratulations Shubman Gill 💯#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/EWovFTY0Dv
— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) June 20, 2025Just how fast the night changes. pic.twitter.com/yrB7ABngiQ
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) June 20, 2025When Shubham Gill scores a century in a trophy named after you pic.twitter.com/pXAwrIfjNT
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 20, 2025“Reminded me of 2002 Headingley Test” – Sachin Tendulkar on India’s dominant Day 1 vs England in 1st Test
The legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant for placing India in a respectable position after reviewing the team’s performance on the first day of the first Test. His X post about the issue said:
“A solid foundation laid by @klrahul and @ybj_19 enabled India to have a good day. Congratulations to Yashasvi and @ShubmanGill for their brilliant centuries. @RishabhPant17’s contribution was equally important for the team.”
Reminiscing about the Headingley Test from 2002, he continued:
“India’s batting today reminded me of the Headingley Test in 2002, when Rahul, @SGanguly99, and I scored hundreds in the first innings, and we went on to win the Test. Today, Yashasvi and Shubman have done their part. Who will be the third centurion this time?”
Sourav Ganguly (118), Rahul Dravid (148), and Sachin Tendulkar (193) all scored hundreds to help India win the Headingley Test in 2002.
