IND vs SA: Captain Shubman Gill Eyes Historic Record, Aims to Break 19-Year-Old Milestone

Young and dynamic Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill stands on the cusp of a significant. Record as India prepares to host South Africa for a two-match Test series starting November 14. All eyes will be on Gill's performance with the bat, especially as he has a chance to break a 19-year-old record for the most Test centuries scored by a captain in a single calendar year. The series opener is set to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens. In Kolkata, a venue known for its rich cricketing history and passionate crowd.

Gill's Stellar Form Since Captaincy

Shubman Gill took over the captaincy of the Indian Test team earlier this year during the tour of England, while far from being burdened by the added responsibility, Gill has thrived, showcasing exceptional form with the bat. His leadership has injected a new sense of confidence and energy into the team, and his individual performances have been a testament to his growing maturity. In the year 2025, Gill has already played 7 Test matches,. Batting in 13 innings, and has impressively notched up 5 centuries. These statistics highlight his current purple patch and his insatiable hunger for runs, making him a pivotal player for the Indian side.

Chasing Ricky Ponting's Enduring Record

The record for the most centuries scored by a Test captain in. A calendar year currently belongs to the legendary Australian skipper, Ricky Ponting. In 2006, Ponting led the Australian Test team in 10 matches and remarkably scored. 7 centuries, a feat that has remained unbroken for 19 years, underscoring its monumental nature. Shubman Gill now has a golden opportunity to etch his name in the record books by surpassing this long-standing milestone. To achieve this, Gill needs to score three more centuries in the four innings available across the two upcoming Test matches against South Africa. While challenging, Gill's current form suggests it's a plausible, albeit difficult, target.

Opportunity to Surpass Virat Kohli's Indian Record

Beyond the global record held by Ponting, Shubman Gill also has the chance to set a new Indian record. If he manages to score just one more century in the series against South Africa, he will become the Indian Test captain with the most centuries in a single calendar year. This record is currently held by Virat Kohli, who scored 5 centuries each in 2017 and 2018 as Test captain. Since Gill has already accumulated 5 centuries this year, one more will see him surpass Kohli, placing him in an elite category within Indian cricket history. This achievement would be a significant milestone for Gill, reflecting his impact both as a leader and a prolific run-scorer.

Past Performance Against South Africa vs Current Form

Shubman Gill's previous record in Test cricket against South Africa has not been particularly impressive. He has played two Test matches against the Proteas, both during India's tour of South Africa at the end of 2023. In those two encounters, Gill managed to score only 74 runs at a modest average of 18. 50, which was below his usual standards. However, his form has seen a dramatic turnaround since then. In 2025, Gill has amassed 946 runs at an outstanding average of 78, while 83, demonstrating a significant improvement in his batting prowess and confidence. He will be keen to end the year's final Test series on a high note, contributing Importantly to his team's success and further enhancing his personal records.

Significance of the Upcoming Series

The two-match Test series between India and South Africa holds immense importance for both teams. India will be looking to assert its dominance on home soil, while South Africa, as the reigning World Test Champions, will present a formidable challenge. Shubman Gill's batting will be crucial to India's prospects in this series, with his leadership and run-scoring ability expected to heavily influence the team's performance. Playing the first Test at a historic venue like Eden Gardens will be a special experience for Gill, where he will aim to lead his team to a winning start. This series isn't just about individual records but also. About the team's overall success and preparation for future challenges.