3 Test records Shubman Gill can break in 2023
Shubman Gill's stock as a cricketer has skyrocketed owing to his brilliant form in recent times. Gill first made his maiden Test hundred in December against Bangladesh and then notched his first ODI ton in January. He followed it up with two more centuries in the 50-over format, including a double century against New Zealand.
He then announced his arrival as an all-format player with a majestic century in a T20 against the Blackcaps. In doing so, he became the youngest Indian to score centuries in all three formats.
Following KL Rahul’s dip in form, Shubman Gill was included in India's playing XI for the final two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 23-year-old scored a century in the Ahmedabad Test to tighten his grip on his Test spot as well.
Gill is now likely to get a long rope in the Test setup and his brilliant form at the moment might help him cement his place as well. Here, we look at three Test records that Shubman Gill can break in 2023.
#1 First centurion in a WTC Final
India will face Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Oval, starting from June 7. This is just the second edition of the WTC and we are yet to witness anyone smash a century on the biggest stage.
Shubman Gill, with the form he is in, will be looking to make an impact for India in the big game and who knows, he might end up scoring a century. Being an opener, he also has the opportunity to become the first centurion in the WTC final.
#2 Highest score by an Indian at The Oval
The highest score by an Indian at The Oval is 221, made by Sunil Gavaskar in a drawn Test in 1979. If there's anyone at the moment who can break the record, it has to be young Shubman Gill.
The right-handed batter is seen as a generational talent by many and we are yet to see his best on the international circuit. It shouldn't come as a surprise if the Punjab opener goes on to shatter the great Gavaskar's 44-year-old record.
#3 Highest score by an Indian opener in South Africa
India are due to face South Africa in a Test series later this year. Only two Indian openers have managed to score centuries in the Rainbow Nation, namely Wasim Jaffer and KL Rahul.
Rahul holds the record for the highest score by an Indian opener in Tests in South Africa, courtesy of the 123 he made in Centurion in 2021.
The wickets in South Africa will suit Shubman Gill's game and he will look to provide good starts to the team during the series. In the process, Gill might go on to play a big innings and there may be a possibility that he will go past Rahul's score on South African shores.