Shubman Gill silenced critics in spectacular fashion with a commanding 269 on Day 2 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston. His epic knock laid the foundation for India’s massive first-innings total of 587 and firmly put the visitors in control of the match.
While the cricketing world hailed Gill’s masterclass, former India cricketer Yograj Singh – father of Yuvraj Singh – had a mixed reaction. Though he was full of praise for the young batter, Yograj expressed disappointment over Gill not finishing unbeaten.
“Getting Out Was a Crime,” Says Yograj Singh
Speaking to ANI, Yograj revealed that both he and his son Yuvraj were pained by Gill’s dismissal after reaching such a commanding position at the crease.
“When Shubman was batting on 200, I hoped he would stay not out on 250. Watching him get out was painful. Even Yuvraj felt the same. When you’re set like that, getting out is a crime,” he said.
Yograj, who has seen Gill grow as a cricketer under Yuvraj’s mentorship alongside fellow Punjab players Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh, didn’t hold back in his assessment.
“When you’re unbeaten on 200 or 250, your mistakes get masked, your confidence grows. But getting dismissed at that stage – after doing all the hard work – that’s where the pain lies. People were questioning Gill’s form. To those people, I say – if you haven’t played the game, you don’t have the right to comment,” Yograj added, pointing out that Gill had worked extensively on his top-hand technique.
Yograj Believes Gill Can Aim for 500
Despite the criticism, Yograj beamed with pride while speaking about Gill and the others Yuvraj has mentored. He insisted that the learning process in cricket never stops, citing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, who were always introspective even after big scores.
“True greatness lies in self-reflection. Even after scoring big, players like Sachin and Gavaskar would go back and ask, ‘What could I have done better?’ Gill has the potential to go even further – 300, 400… why not 500? If Brian Lara can score 500 not out, we can too,” Yograj said.
As for the match itself, India finished Day 2 in a dominant position. England, in reply to India’s 587, were reeling at 77 for 3, still trailing by a hefty 510 runs. With Gill’s innings setting the tone, India look firmly in control at Edgbaston.
