Gill’s dominance was never in question. After resuming on day two with Ravindra Jadeja, he first stitched a 203-run partnership with the all-rounder, who scored a fine 89. Later, he added 144 runs with Washington Sundar (42) to take India beyond 550. He was briefly stranded on 199 but brought up his double hundred with a single off Josh Tongue. The celebration was muted yet telling of its significance, and the crowd acknowledged the milestone with warm applause.
England’s bowlers toiled all day with little reward. Their short-ball tactics failed to trouble Gill or Jadeja in the morning. Shoaib Bashir was targeted and expensive, while part-timers Joe Root and Harry Brook were tried without success.
Eventually, England hit back with the ball post-tea. Tongue dismissed Gill for 269 and Bashir removed Akash Deep. But the damage had been done.
India’s bowlers then turned the screws. Making his series debut, Akash Deep struck twice in his second over, removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in quick succession. Mohammed Siraj followed up by getting Zak Crawley to edge to the slips. England were rocked at 25 for 3 before Joe Root and Harry Brook stemmed the slide with a 52-run stand. At stumps, England were 77 for 3, still trailing by 510.
Brook remained unbeaten on 30, while Root was on 18. With India in control and the surface showing some life, the visitors will fancy a big first-innings lead.
For Gill, it was not just a personal triumph but a statement of leadership and maturity. Having taken over the number four slot vacated by Virat Kohli, the 25-year-old has not only filled the void but looks ready to create a legacy of his own.
