Shubman Gill became the fourth-youngest Indian to score 3,000 Test runs on Monday, reaching the milestone during the opening session of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Gill, 26, went into the match needing 13 runs to reach the landmark and remained unbeaten on 13 at lunch.
Gill’s Impressive Test Career
In 43 Tests, the India captain has scored 3,004 runs in 77 innings at an average of 43.53, with 11 centuries and eight half-centuries. Sachin Tendulkar remains the youngest Indian to reach 3,000 Test runs, having achieved the milestone at the age of 23 years and 228 days. Gill, at 26 years and 349 days, is fourth on the list.
Impact of Captaincy on Gill’s Performance
The right-hander has also thrived since taking over the captaincy, with the additional responsibility doing little to slow his scoring. Across 11 Tests as captain, Gill has scored 1,111 runs in 18 innings at an average of 74.06, including six centuries and a half-century. His highest score as captain is 269.
India’s Opening Session in Colombo
India’s opening session in Colombo was evenly balanced, with Sri Lanka striking twice after Gill won the toss and chose to bat. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided India with a brisk start, scoring 45 from 53 balls with nine fours, before being dismissed. KL Rahul made 18 from 33 balls, including two fours and a six. At lunch, India were 88 for two, with Gill unbeaten on 13 and Devdutt Padikkal 11 not out.
Team Changes for India
India handed a Test debut to Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Saransh Jain, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav missed the match due to a viral illness.
