Gill's historic Edgbaston win excites Tendulkar, proving India's depth without Bumrah.

Youngest Captain to Win Overseas Test in Historic Edgbaston Triumph

Indian Cricket is abuzz with excitement. This follows a 336-run victory in the second Test at Edgbaston. The win leveled the five-match series 1-1. It was also India's first-ever win at that venue. Shubman Gill carved his name in history as the youngest Indian captain to win an overseas Test.

This landmark win saw among those legends applauding Gill: Tendulkar, who had no words to express his joy, and Ganguly, who noted the importance of this win ‘without Bumrah.’

The Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, expressed zeal in praising the young skipper and the dominant display by his team. On X, Tendulkar complimented Gill with the adjective ‘Shublime’, congratulating him for leading from the front.

Tendulkar's Elation & Ganguly's Nuanced Praise Mark Gill's Historic Win

He was very specific in saying that Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja had vital contributions with the bat, while also appreciating the bowlers for sticking to their plans. Tendulkar particularly mentioned Akash Deep, the debutant. He called him the finest bowler.

Tendulkar also stated that Deep's dismissal of Joe Root was the ‘ball of the series.’ One could even feel the enthusiasm that the legendary batsman carried for the maiden Test win as captain by Gill. 

In any case, his counterpart, the former-captain of India Sourav Ganguly, also entered the fray of praise but with an observation that sounded subtle yet carried weight in it. ‘What a performance from Shubman Gill and his team... with the bat and now with the ball... Akash Deep and Siraj are just brilliant. Indian attack looking far superior than the English attack Akash Deep and Siraj are workhorses.’

Gill's leadership and team depth impress, even without Bumrah.

That couldn't be a better result without Bumrah, with Gill at the helm. That is some batting on display. Ganguly mentioned ‘without Bumrah’ to emphasize a point. It highlighted the prowess the Indian bowling unit retained.

This was despite their ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, being rested. He was rested from the Test to manage his workload. This comment from Ganguly was to highlight the depth and resilience of the Indian team, hence asserting that they are not a one-man band. 

Shubman Gill was an absolute stalwart. He excelled not just with the bat, but also as a leader. In the first innings, he forged a monumental 269. This was the highest score by an Indian captain in Tests. He followed it up with a calm, composed 161 in the second innings.

This made him only the second Indian captain, after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, to score centuries in both innings of a Test. His aggregate of 430 runs in the match ranks among the highest by a visiting captain in England.

Additionally, Gill's bowling changes showcased his leadership brilliance beyond individual performance. These changes were keenly strategic, especially on a crucial fifth day.

Edgbaston Win Ignites India's Confidence, Series Poised for Thrilling Finish

The victory at Edgbaston not only leveled the series but provided a huge fillip to the Indian confidence. Having been beaten at Headingley in the first Test, the team, representing its new captain, stood up with fighting spirit and resilience for the rest of the Test.

Also, Akash Deep bowling an unprecedented ten-wicket haul in his debut Test was another major takeaway shining the light on the promising fast-bowling factory that India has. 

So, as India arrives in London for the third Test to begin on July 10, with Jasprit Bumrah expected to make a return, all momentum is running with Shubman Gill's side. The series lies dead on the perfect equilibrium, and the early success of the young captain has set the spark for a possible relatively big turnaround in England.