Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh showered praise on Shubman Gill after the Indian skipper scored an unbeaten knock of 114 runs on the opening day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Wednesday.

Gill batted at the top of his game and reached his seventh Test century with a sweep shot against Joe Root before the second ball was due. This is Gill’s second consecutive century while leading India in the Test format as he scored a fine knock of 147 runs in the opening Test.

Gill also became the fourth Indian captain to score a century in the first two matches after Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli. 

“When responsibility calls, some rise and some soar! @shubmangill just became one of the rare few to score consecutive hundreds as Test captain! A calm head, a bold bat and a hunger to lead by example @graemesmith49 would be proud of the company!”

Former South African captain Graeme Smith had scored double centuries in back-to-back matches in England during his first Test series.

On the other hand, Shastri hailed Shubman Gill for working hard on his technique to savor success in tough English conditions.

“I think the biggest difference is that he has worked on his defence. When he last came to England, you know, he was someone like Virat, who played with hard hands, pushed at the ball, but now that top hand is in much more control, he allows the ball to come hit the bat, he is trusting his defence, and then we know, he has got all the shots in the book,” Shastri said on Sky Sports after Stumps on Day 1.

India ended the opening day at 310-5 after Ben Stokes decided to bowl first.