IPL 2021: Shubman Gill ditches opening with Sachin Tendulkar for THIS
Shubman Gill has been a regular face in the KKR in IPL 2021 set-up and in a fun interaction with India women cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues on the FanCode app, the KKR batter gave fans an insight into his batting inspiration
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Shubman Gill has impressed most with his stylish batting. In the previous encounter against Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The 22-year-old scored 48 off just 34 balls and helped his side secure a convincing 9-wicket win over the opponent.
Gill has been a regular face in the KKR setup. However, in a fun interaction with India women cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues on the FanCode app, the KKR batter gave fans an insight into his batting inspiration.
During the chat, Gill was asked to pick one between India's two prolific batters - Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli - to which he answered "Sachin sir".
Gill during the conversation said he would prefer to bat with Sachin. Although, when the stakes were raised slightly high, Gill made an exception in this case. When asked to pick between playing football with Pairs Saint-Germain forward Neymar or opening the innings with Tendulkar. However, the 22-year-old doesn't choose the former.
Meanwhile, Gill, who was part of India's U-19 World Cup team which won the tournament in 2018. Also rates the win in Australia earlier this year higher than his U-19 triumph. Explaining his decision, Gill said: "beating Australia in Australia twice in a row was much bigger for India." He was India's highest run-scorer in the U-19 World Cup in 2018, emerging to be one of the key players from the Prithvi Shaw-led unit.
Gill has so far managed to accumulate just 193 runs in the nine matches so far in IPL. However, his knock in the previous encounter against RCB showed signs of him being in good touch. Although, he fails to deliver against MI yesterday.
Indian players to record two hundreds in a Test match
Shubman Gill recently etched his name into the elite list of Indian players to record two hundreds in a Test match with his performance against England at Edgbaston. Discover the complete list filled with legendary batters who made history.
A hundred in test cricket is considered to be one of the highest cricketing honours. But imagine doing it twice in the same match? That's right! It requires a different level of class, endurance, and brilliance.
Over the years, only 8 Indian batters could achieve this extraordinary feat with their incredible batting abilities. We have curated a complete list, where you'll find the details of their remarkable achievement.
Here's the list of Indian players to record two hundreds in a Test Match:
1. Vijay Hazare (116 & 145 vs AUS), 1948
Vijay Hazare representing India. Image | Onecricket
1st innings: 116 runs (303 balls)
2nd innings: 145 runs (372 balls)
Vijay Hazare was the first Indian batsman to score two hundreds in a Test match. He made this record in the 4th test of India tour of Australia in 1948. Despite not having the match result in their favour, this particular knock by Hazare is remembered for the quality and efforts for winning.
This day marked the beginning of a new record for India, defined by the benchmark set by Hazare.
2. Sunil Gavaskar (124 & 220 vs WI) (111 & 107 vs PAK) (107 & 182 vs WI) | 1971, 1978
Sunil Gavaskar celebrating a century for India in Tests. Image | The Hindu
First instance: 124 & 220 vs West Indies in 1971
Second instance: 111 & 107 vs Pakistan in 1978
Third instance: 107 & 182 vs West Indies in 1978
The 'Little Master,' Sunil Gavaskar, did wonders back in the '70s by achieving the record of two hundreds in a test match not only once, but 3 times. He is the only Indian batter to do so till date, facing two strong teams (West Indies and Pakistan).
This was the prime time of his career when he made it to multiple record books, inspiring the next generation of emerging cricketers.
3. Rahul Dravid (190 & 103* vs NZ) (110 & 135* vs PAK) | 1999, 2005
Rahul Dravid celebrates a century for India. Image | ESPNcricinfo
First instance: 190 & 103* vs New Zealand in 1999
Second instance: 110 & 135* vs Pakistan in 2005
Rahul Dravid, a master of grinding down opposition attacks, is the only batter, after Gavaskar, to score two hundreds in a test match multiple times. He stepped out of the ordinary records by scoring it 2 times in a span of six years.
Dravid's first twin hundreds came in 1999 against New Zealand (190 & 103), where he was just 10 runs short of turning one into a double century. In 2005, he scored two hundreds in a test match against Pakistan, which also highly contributed to India's victory in the match.
Virat Kohli celebrating his century against Australia in 2014. Image | Instagram
1st innings: 115 runs (184 balls)
2nd innings: 141 runs (175 balls)
Over a decade later, Virat Kohli emerged as the 4th Indian player to record two hundreds in a test match in the first match against Australia series in 2014. He showcased his aggressive yet controlled batting by scoring 115 and 114 runs in the match.
Being the most successful captain in the history of Indian test cricket, and having several prestigious records to his name, this incredible feat adds another layer of excellence to his career.
5. Ajinkya Rahane (127 vs 100* SA), 2015
Ajinkya Rahane celebrates his century against South Africa in 2015. Image | ESPNcricinfo
1st innings: 127 runs (215 balls)
2nd innings: 100* runs (206 balls)
Ajinkya Rahane registered himself among the legendary test players with his twin hundreds against South Africa in the 2015 series. He scored 127 and 100*, showcasing a pure sight of calm and composed batting.
His contributions secured a crucial dominating victory for India, as well as earned him the player of the match award.
Rohit Sharma celebrates his century against South Africa in 2019. Image | Cricketdunia
1st innings: 176 runs (244 balls)
2nd innings: 127 runs (149 balls)
Transitioning successfully to a test opener, Rohit Sharma brought in his phenomenal style of batting against South Africa to record two hundreds in a single match in 2019. He smashes 176 and 127, crumbling down the opposition bowling attack.
This performance cemented his status as an opener, having commendable scoring skills, even in the longest format.
7. Rishabh Pant (134 & 118 vs ENG), 2025
Rishabh Pant celebrates his century against England. Image | Mint
1st innings: 134 runs (178 balls)
2nd innings: 118 runs (140 balls)
Rishabh Pant, with his fearless batting and skillset, made history with his twin centuries in the Leeds test against England during the 2025 series. He scored 134 and 118, and celebrated with his iconic backflip in style!
This achivement has not only highlighted his evolving stability as a test batsman, but also made him the second wicketkeeper, after Andy flower, to score centuries in both the innings of a match in test cricket history.
Shubham Gill celebrates his double century against England in 2025. Image | BBC
1st innings: 269 runs (387 balls)
2nd innings: 161 runs (162 balls)
The latest entrant of this exclusive list, is the young sensation and Indian test captain, Shubman Gill. In a truly historic performance against England in the 2nd test in 2025, he scored an unbelievable double century (269 runs) and followed it up with a century (162 runs) in the next innings.
This monumental effort not only secured his place in this record book, but also made him the first Indian captain and only the second Indian overall (after Sunil Gavaskar) to score a double century and a century in the sametest match.
Indian Captains to record two hundreds in a Test match
Discover the select few Indian captains to record two hundreds in a test match. Get the insights on how these leaders mastered both innings with extraordinary batting.
Since their first Test in 1932, India have witnessed 37 Test captains across 591 matches. Some gave us moments to cherish forever, while some won hearts with their individual excellence. Out of these trusted players with huge leadership roles, only 3 of them scored twin hundreds in a test match as a captain.
Shubham Gill is the most recent name etched on this list, who replaced Rohit Sharma (following his retirement) in 2025. Read till the end to get the full story.
Here's the list of Indian captains to record two hundreds in a test match:
1. Sunil Gavaskar (107 & 182*) vs WI | 1978
Sunil Gavaskar representing India as a test captain. Image | X
First innings: 107 runs
Second innings: 182* runs
The fearless Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar, is the first captain to record two hundreds in a test match. He also holds a special record of scoring twin hundreds 3 times in his career, which is the highest by any Indian batter.
Gavaskar had taken over the captaincy for the first time after his 1976 apperance as a stand-in captain during a New Zealand tour. His two centuries in both the innings were instrumental in India drawing the test match against a strong West Indies side.
Virat Kohli celebrates his century against Australia in BGT 2014. Image | Mint
First innings: 115 runs (184 balls)
Second innings: 141 runs (175 balls)
Virat Kohli showed an extraordinary display of batting in the Adelaide test against Australia in 2014, scoring two hundreds in a match. He was the first visiting batsman in 53 years to score two centuries in one test in Australian soil.
This was Kohli's captaincy debut, where he etched his name into the record books. He was the only centurion, as well as overall highest scorer in the match, who single-handedly kept India on the run. Despite his heroic efforts, India fell short of 48 runs.
However, a record like this, coming from the most successful Test captain for India is a moment of pride for the nation.
Shubman Gill celebrates his double century against England in 2025. Image | BBC
First innings: 269 runs (387 balls)
Second innings: 161 runs (162 balls)
One of the youngest cricketers to lead India in tests, Shubman Gill, recently made history with two hundreds against England in July'25. He scored a double century that helped India set a massive first-innings total, and followed up with another ton in the second innings.
India secured their first-ever test win at Edgbaston, where Gill played the key role to register his first win as test captain. He also broke multiple batting records to set the new ones with his phenomenal performance.
Every record Shubman Gill broke during the ENG vs IND, 2nd test at Edgbaston
On the course of his mammoth innings during the test match, Shubman Gill nearly broke the record for the highest match aggregate in a test match, going close to Graham Gooch's 456.
Shubman Gill, the newly made Test captain of the Indian Men's cricket team, has broken multiple records with his 269 in the first inning and now 161 in the second inning during the England vs India, second test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
During the second inning, with his 161, he became the first player in test history to score 250+ and 150+ in the same test match. After Dhruv Shorey, he is only the second ever to achieve this feat in first-class cricket.
On the course of his mammoth innings during the test match, Gill nearly broke the record for the highest match aggregate in a test match, going close to Graham Gooch's 456. Gill finished the test match with 430 runs, the most by any Indian batter in test history.
Below are all the records broken or made by Shubman Gill during the ENG vs IND, 2nd test at Edgbaston.
Every record Shubman Gill broke during the ENG vs IND, 2nd test at Edgbaston
Highest Test Score by an Indian Captain (269), breaking Virat Kohli's record of 254*
Highest Test Score by an Indian in England (269). He went past Sunil Gavaskar's 221 at Oval in 1979.
First Indian Captain to Score a Double Century in England
First Asian Captain to Score a Double Century in SENA Countries
Third Indian to Score a Double Century in England. Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid are the other two Indian batters.
Highest Individual Test Score at No. 4 for India. He went past Kohli's 254*.
Highest Individual Score by an Indian at Edgbaston. He went past Kohli's 149 in 2018.
Third-Highest Test Score by a Visiting Batter at Edgbaston. He is only behind Graeme Smith (277, 2003) and Zaheer Abbas (274, 1971).
Seventh-Highest Individual Test Score for India.
Third-Highest Test Score by India in Away Matches. Only Virender Sehwag (309, Multan, 2004) and Rahul Dravid (270, Rawalpindi, 2004) are ahead of him.
Fourth Indian Batter to Score Double Centuries in Tests and ODIs
Third Indian Captain to Score Centuries in Consecutive Tests Against England. Vijay Hazare (1951–52) and Mohammad Azharuddin (1990) are the other batters.
Fourth Indian Captain to Score Centuries in First Two Tests as Captain. Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli are the other three.
Seventh Captain Overall to Score Centuries in First Two Tests as Captain.
Second-Highest Runs in a Single Test Match (430). His total score of 430 fell just short of Graham Gooch's record of the highest run in a single test match (456).
Second for Most Test Centuries by an Indian Aged 25 or Less (8). He is only behind Sachin Tendulkar, who had 19.
Most runs in debut series as India captain (585). He went past Kohli's 449 runs against Australia in 2014/15.
Second Indian batter to score a double hundred and a hundred in the same test match, after Sunil Gavaskar.
First batter in test history to score a 250+ and 150+ in the same test match.
Second batter in first-class history to score a 250+ and 150+ in the same match. Dhruv Shorey was the first batter to achieve that.
Third Indian captain to score two hundreds in a Test match. Sunil Gavaskar vs West Indies in 1978 in Kolkata and Virat Kohli vs Australia in Adelaide in 2014 are the other two occasions when this record was matched.
Third highest run in a test series in England by an Indian batter (585). He is now only behind Virat Kohli (593 in 2018 series) and Rahul Dravid (602 in 2002)
Can You Guess the Indian with Most ICC Appearances?
Some Indian players have turned up at the ICC tournaments multiple times, impacting the game long and deeply. In this article, we will take a look at those Indian with most ICC appearances.
ICC tournaments are very crucial cricket tournaments in international cricket. These tournaments observe all the top cricket teams competing against each other. ODI World Cup, T20I World Cup, and Champions Trophy are the three major ICC tournaments. Some Indian players have turned up at these worldwide events multiple times, impacting the game long and deeply.
In this article, we will take a look at those Indian with most ICC appearances.
After hitting runs all over the ground throughout a two-decade glorious career filled up with many centuries and fifties, legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest batter after Sir Don Bradman.
Having represented India in 61 ICC tournaments, Sachin scored 2719 runs with seven centuries. His highest score in these tournaments is 152.
9. Mohammed Shami | 61
Span - 2014-2025
Wickets - 163
BBI - 7/57
Mohammed Shami is India's most successful bowler in ICC white-ball Tournaments. Mr. ICC is also India's most successful bowler in ICC events, surpassing Zaheer Khan.
Shami has played a total of 61 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 163 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 7/57.
8. KL Rahul | 62
Span - 2019-2025
Runs - 2808
HS - 137
There are stars in the Indian team, and then there is KL Rahul. Rahul showcased consistent performances for India as he batted in any position for the team. Rahul was one of the unsung heroes of the Men in Blue's victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.
KL has played a total of 62 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 2808 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 137. He also has 6 hundreds to his name.
7. Yuvraj Singh | 72
Span - 2000-2017
Runs - 1707
HS - 113
Wickets - 35
Those who watched Indian cricket during the last two decades know how valuable Yuvraj Singh has been for the Indian cricket team. Statistics aside, he has proved to be a match-winner almost every time he has stepped on to the field in Indian colors.
Having represented India in 72 ICC tournaments, Yuvraj scored 1707 runs with one century, and 35 wickets to his name.
6. MS Dhoni | 78
Span - 2006-2019
Runs - 1492
HS - 91
Legendary Indian skipper MS Dhoni turned 42 on Friday. With his performances and composure in big matches both as a captain and batter, he has won India all three major ICC white-ball cricket trophies, making him one of the most successful captains in cricket history.
Dhoni has played a total of 78 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 1492 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 91*.
Jasprit Bumrah is an integral part of India in all formats of the sport. Spearheading India’s pace attack for the last few years, he has done an incredible job.
Bumrah has played a total of 79 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 229 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 6/27.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 84
Span - 2011-2024
Runs - 1248
HS - 113
Wickets - 254
Ravichandran Ashwin is sure to go down as one of Indian cricket’s all-time greats. Having featured in 84 matches for India, the numbers paint a befitting picture of his impact with both bat and ball.
Ashwin scored 1248 runs in verious ICC events. He also has 254 wickets in the tournaments.
3. Ravindra Jadeja | 107
Span - 2009-2025
Runs - 2516
HS - 175*
Wickets - 202
Ravindra Jadeja has appeared in total of 107 matches across various ICC events, amassing 2516 runs. He also has 3 tons in the tournaments. His highest score in ICC event is an unbeaten 175. Jadeja also has 202 wickets in his name.
2. Rohit Sharma | 130
Span - 2007-2025
Runs - 6172
HS - 212
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has led India to back-to-back ICC titles, T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025.
Rohit has played a total of 130 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 6172 runs. He also has 17 hundreds to his name. Rohit has represented India in nine T20 World Cups, three ODI World Cups, two World Test Championship (WTC) finals, and three Champions Trophy tournaments.
Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has the most ICC appearances, playing 136 matches for India. Recently Kohli was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup 2024 edition against South Africa and Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.
Kohli has played a total of 136 matches across various ICC events, amassing 6451 runs. He has 11 tons in the tournaments. His performances showed his consistency and ability to deliver for India in crucial international tournaments.
Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches
From Kohli to Tendulkar, explore the list of legendary batsmen who consistently delivered in crucial matches under pressure. Here are the top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches.
In the high-stakes world of international cricket, the pressure of ICC knockout matches can make or break careers. Every player steps in with the mindset of taking their nation ahead in the game, leaving no room for regrets. However, only a few can actually stay consistent under such highly competitive environment.
No matter how a player performed throughout the tournament, the ultimate test always awaits in the knockouts. ICC knockouts' history have seen extremely talented players scoring for their teams and keeping the flow going.
The question is, out of all the consistent scorers round the globe, who scored the most runs? We have the answer to it. Check out the list of top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches.
10. Mahela Jayawardene (499 runs) | Sri Lanka
Mahela Jayawardene celebrates a century for Sri Lanka. Image | X
Mahela Jayawardene, a true master of elegant batting, consistently delivered for Sri Lanka in crucial matches throughout his international career. He holds the 10th position with 499 runs in 18 innings played in ICC knockout matches.
One of his iconic knock among all is undoubtedly his century in the 2011 World Cup Final against India (103* off 88 balls). Though the match result was not in their favour, Mahela's contribution was the sole reason SL could reach a defendable target after the early collapse of the batting line-up.
Sourav Ganguly celebrates an international century for India. Image | TOI
The former captain and aggressive left-handed opener, Sourav Ganguly, led India with passion in high-stakes games. He often contributed with the bat which laid the foundation of a huge total for the team.
Ganguly scored 514 runs in only 8 innings played in ICC knockouts! His unbeaten141 against South Africa in the 2000 Champions Trophy semi-final is the highest among all his other knockout performances.
Ganguly stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
1998-2003
10
8
514
141*
85.66
87.41
3
1
8. Jacques Kallis (539) | South Africa
Jacques Kallis representing South Africa in international cricket. Image | Facebook
Jacques Kallis, the greatest all-rounder of his generation, was a pillar of the South African team. His contributions in the knockout matches for SA were not always marked by centuries, but they had solid consistency.
He scored 539 runs in only 11 matches, which says a lot about his dedication and hard work for winning. His highest among all was a notable 113* against Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the inaugural season (1998) of the ICC Champions Trophy, which led to a big victory.
Kumar Sangakkara in action for Sri Lanka in an ICC knockout match. Image | X
Another Sri Lankan legend makes it to the top 10 for most runs in ICC knockout matches with his quality batting. It is none other than Kumar Sangakkara, who was the cornerstone of SL in white-ball cricket for over a decade.
He was a part of several Sri Lankan teams that reached major ICC Finals, like the 2011 WC final, and the victorious 2014 T20 World Cup. Sangakkara scored 595 runs in 19 matches, at an average of 39.66.
His contributions were one of the key aspects of the team's success in reaching these finals.
Sangakkara stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
2000-2015
19
18
595
64*
39.66
71.47
0
4
6. Sachin Tendulkar (657) | India
Sachin Tendulkar after the 2011 World Cup triumph. Image | Olympics.com
The 'Little Master,' Sachin Tendulkar, played in an era where India reached multiple ICC knockout stages. He scored 657 runs in 14 innings, including a century. In knockouts, his vital half-centuries saved the team from choking in several matches.
One of his most remembered fifties is the 85 runs against Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup semi-final. Tendulkar's only century in a knockout game came against Australia in the 1998 quarter-final match of the Champions Trophy, where he scored 141 off 128 balls.
Kane Williamson celebrating an ODI century in 2025 for NZ. Image | Mint
Kane Williamson is the only cricketer from New Zealand to feature in this list, and that too in the top 5. He scored 659 runs in 15 matches and has always been a great support to the team's batting lineup.
His century in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa played a significant role in setting a good total, which led to a victory. Williamson played many such match-winning knocks for NZ in knockouts.
Williamson stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
2011-2025
15
16
659
102
47.07
76.62
1
4
4. Steve Smith (663 runs) | Australia
Steve Smith celebrates a fifty for Australia in an ICC knockout match. Image | Sky Sports
The Australian star player, Steve Smith, always showed a knack for performing on the big stage for his team. He stands 4th with 663 runs scored in 13 matches. One of his most memorable centuries in knockouts came in the 2015 World Cup semi-final against India.
Smith has consistently performed in every format, each time Australia reached the highly competitive stage of the game of cricket.
Ricky Ponting in action for Australia. Image | Mint
The legendary Australian batter, Ricky Ponting, led his side to unmatched dominance in ICC tournaments. He scored 731 runs in 18 matches, with 3 centuries and 1 half-century.
His most iconic ICC knockout moment is the 2003 World Cup Final, where he scored a phenomenal 140* runs against India. Australia winning the title that year made Ponting's knock more memorable.
Ponting stats in ICC knockout matches:
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
HS
Avg
SR
100
50
1996-2011
18
18
731
140*
45.68
81.58
3
1
2. Rohit Sharma (884 runs) | India
Rohit Sharma celebrates a century against Bangladesh in Aisa Cup. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The 3rd Indian batter to dominate the list, the 'Hitman' of cricket, Rohit Sharma, stands tall with 884 runs in 21 matches. He has a long experience of playing in high-pressure ICC knockout matches and acing them.
While he has multiple centuries in the World Cup, his highest in an ICC knockout is 137 runs, scored against Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final. From giving a solid start to carrying the momentum and building partnerships, Rohit has done it all to fetch those magnificent knockout victories.
Virat Kohli celebrates his 50th century in the 2023 World Cup against NZ. Image | X
Virat Kohli, the chase master and modern-day legend, sits atop this list with 1024 runs in ICC knockout matches. He is the only player ever to score over a thousand runs in knockouts, having 1 century and 9 half centuries.
Kohli's hunger for runs and victory makes him the most reliable player in vital matches. He reached his 50th ODI century by scoring 117 runs against New Zealand in the 2023 WC semi-final. He has often guided India through tricky chases or helped set up formidable totals.
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