“Gill is only growing in stature with time”: Harbhajan hails Shubman’s record double century
Harbhajan Singh praises Shubman Gill after his historic record-breaking double century in the massive ODI chase against West Indies.
Former Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh has expressed immense pride in the evolution of Shubman Gill, following the Indian skipper's historic and record-shattering double century. The feat came during India's monumental 406-run chase against the West Indies in the second ODI of the three-match series on Thursday.
A historic chase and a lightning-fast double ton
In a display of pure dominance, Gill anchored the Indian pursuit of a massive target. Alongside Rohit Sharma, he shared a massive 255-run opening partnership that effectively dismantled the West Indian bowling attack.
Gill’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He reached his double century in just 117 balls—setting a new benchmark for the fastest ODI double ton in history. His innings was punctuated by 24 boundaries and seven sixes. He eventually finished the match unbeaten on 223* from just 133 deliveries, boasting a strike rate of over 167.
This massive score is now the third-highest individual ODI total, trailing only Rohit Sharma's 264 and Martin Guptill's 237*. With this knock, Gill also surpassed Ishan Kishan's previous record for the fastest ODI double ton (126 balls).
Harbhajan Singh praises Gill's growth and leadership
Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh lauded the captain's progression from a young talent to a seasoned leader.
“Shubman Gill is only growing in stature with time. He is the captain now, and I have been seeing him play tremendously well continuously since the Under-19s. And as he is becoming an experienced player, his game is getting better and better,” Harbhajan said.
The former spinner also highlighted the role of Gill's family in his success, noting that his father's support has been a cornerstone of his journey.
“It's a very proud moment for me to say that Shubman Gill has come up from where he started, and his father's contribution is huge. The hard work he has put in, the results he is delivering for the team, it's outstanding. Brilliant knock, I mean, no one has ever made 200 that fast,” Harbhajan added.
Breaking records left and right
Gill's performance on Thursday was a masterclass in record-breaking. He achieved several milestones simultaneously:
- Chasing Specialist: He became only the second batter after Glenn Maxwell to score an ODI double century while chasing.
- Captain's Milestone: He surpassed Virender Sehwag's 219 to become the highest-ever ODI run-scorer by an Indian captain.
- Dual Format Record: He is now the first cricketer to score a double century while leading the side in both Tests and ODIs.
- Fastest Century: By reaching his hundred in just 62 balls, he broke Rohit Sharma's record for the fastest century by an Indian skipper.
Statistical dominance
The numbers behind Gill's current form are staggering. In 11 ODIs this year, he has amassed 894 runs at an incredible average of 127.71. Over his 69-match ODI career, he has accumulated 3,712 runs, including 11 centuries.
The match itself was a high-scoring thriller. After India elected to field first, the West Indies posted a formidable total driven by rapid centuries from John Campbell, Shai Hope, and Amir Jangoo, setting the stage for Gill's historic response.