Shubman Gill scores 154, joins elite club of Indian captains

Captain Shubman Gill Joins Elite Club After Stunning 154 Against Afghanistan

India captain Shubman Gill delivered a remarkable performance with the bat, scoring 154 runs off 110 balls in the second ODI against Afghanistan at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. His innings propelled India to a commanding 170-run victory, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The knock also etched Gill's name in Indian cricket history, placing him among an elite group of captains who have scored 150 or more in ODIs.

Gill's milestone makes him the seventh Indian captain to achieve a 150-plus score in ODIs, joining the ranks of legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Virender Sehwag, Kapil Dev, and Mohammad Azharuddin. Notably, Sehwag holds the record for the highest ODI score by an Indian skipper with his 219 against the West Indies. While Rohit Sharma and Sehwag are the only Indian captains to have scored double centuries in ODIs, Virat Kohli remains the sole Indian skipper to register two 150-plus scores during his tenure.

Gill's innings came on a hot afternoon in Lucknow, where he showcased his leadership skills after Yashasvi Jaiswal's early dismissal. He first built a solid partnership with Rohit Sharma before dominating the game alongside Ishan Kishan. Gill struck 22 fours and two sixes during his stay at the crease, while Kishan contributed a blistering 125 off 79 balls. Together, the duo added a pivotal 224 runs for the third wicket, helping India amass a formidable total of 402 before being bowled out in the final over.

Afghanistan, faced with a daunting chase, struggled to recover. Rahmat Shah offered resistance with a valiant 79, but consistent breakthroughs from Indian bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar ensured the visitors were bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs. The victory marked India's first ODI series win under Gill's captaincy, further solidifying his credentials as a leader.