Stats: Shubman Gill scores 268 in the Ranji Trophy game against Tamil Nadu

Shubman Gill has been amongst runs in 2018 be it for India A in unofficial Internationals, for India U19, for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL and even for his stateside Punjab. Less than a day after returning from New Zealand, Gill featured in the crucial Ranji Trophy clash against Tamil Nadu. The 19-year-old, who walked out to open the innings for the home team, scored a brilliant 328-ball 268 with 29 fours and a six. He had anxious moments on the second day on his way through to maiden FC double century.

When on 196, Gill went for a heave off Baba Aparajith that landed between two fielders. On the first ball of the next over, Gill picked up a couple to reach 199 but played out the remainder of the over. The umpires brought out their light meters and had to take the players off after Baba Indrajith denied to continue with slow bowlers. As a result, Shubman Gill ended the day on 199. Thus, he became only the 2nd Indian after Rahul Dravid (2003 Adelaide Test vs Australia) to end the day on 199 in a first-class match.

Gill raised his double on the third ball he faced on third day’s play with a boundary. Thus, he became the second youngest to player score a first-class century for Punjab. Reetinder Singh Sodhi was 17 years and 15 days old when he faced Delhi in 1997/98 and scored an unbeaten 200. He is till date the youngest Indian and overall the 3rd youngest player to score an FC 200. Shubman was 19 years and 97 days old at the start of the game against Tamil Nadu.

His 268-run knock helped Punjab to post 479 in their first innings and claim a 264-run lead in response to TN’s 215. Gill’s innings now stands among top four highest scores made by teenagers in first-class cricket while opening the innings. Two of the three players ahead of Gill are Indians only. Wasim Jaffer and Abhinav Mukund made unbeaten triple centuries opening the innings when they were only 18.

Highest individual scores by openers in first-class cricket before turning 20:

(Note: Ages as at the start of the match)

(Stats as on December 16, 2018)