Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s centuries on Day 1 of the first Test against England impressed Sanjay Manjrekar, who called them major positives for India. With India at 359/3, the young captain’s unbeaten ton and Jaiswal’s debut century in England signal a promising series for the visitors.
India’s commanding performance on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley has drawn praise from cricket experts, with former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar highlighting the centuries by captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal as major positives for the touring side.
India ended Day 1 on a strong note at 359/3, asserting dominance in the opening Test of the series. Gill, captaining the Test side for the first time, led from the front with an unbeaten 127, marking his first overseas century and making a bold statement in his new leadership role. Jaiswal, on his maiden Test appearance in England, also impressed with a well-compiled hundred, signaling his ability to adapt and perform beyond subcontinental conditions.
Reflecting on India’s start to the five-match series, Manjrekar said on Match Centre Live, “This is something I have maintained about the series—a lot of people keep asking what the scoreline will be, whether India will win or lose. But I have said all along: India has nothing to lose, only gains to make from this series. We have already seen so much on Day 1 itself.”
He added, “Shubman Gill has scored his first overseas hundred of real significance. Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown that he is not just a force at home—he can deliver on English pitches too. KL Rahul looked solid, and now we are seeing Rishabh Pant finding his form again. These are massive positives.”
Manjrekar was candid in admitting he had initial doubts about Gill’s appointment as Test captain. “Let me go right back to when he was made captain—I was against it, to be honest. I felt Jasprit Bumrah would have been the better and more logical choice, without thinking too far ahead into the future. I did not think it was the right decision at the time,” he admitted.
However, he credited Gill for maintaining his composure under the burden of leadership. “Was Shubman Gill going to be a failure as captain? No. Temperamentally, we knew he would not carry the anxiety of captaincy into his batting—that was always clear.”
According to Manjrekar, Gill’s performance on Day 1 also showcased a refinement in his technique, particularly in overseas conditions, where he had previously struggled to convert starts into big scores. “The only concern was that he was still evolving, especially when it came to overseas conditions. But today, he addressed key technical areas that had previously stopped him from getting a big overseas hundred. Yes, the pitch was good and the bowling wasn’t too challenging, but once those technical flaws were ironed out, everything else—especially his temperament—stood out as a strength,” Manjrekar elaborated.
Alongside Gill and Jaiswal, the contributions of KL Rahul, who looked solid before his dismissal, and Rishabh Pant, who remained unbeaten on 65, have set India up for a potentially massive first innings total. The Indian dressing room will be optimistic about building on this strong foundation when play resumes on Day 2.
| Also Read: Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold at Paris Diamond League 2025 |
With Gill still at the crease on 127 not out and Pant providing aggressive support, India could post a total that puts pressure on England right from the outset. The tone set by the top order, particularly the young captain and opener, reflects a side brimming with intent, talent, and composure.
This dominant start not only boosts India’s chances in the series but also signals the emergence of a new generation of Indian Test cricketers capable of excelling in challenging overseas conditions.
