ENG vs IND [WATCH]: Sunil Gavaskar gifts Shubman Gill a special memorabilia for his near record miss after Day 3 of the fifth Test

India’s younger generation of cricket fans witnessed a deeply poignant scene at the Oval, blending nostalgia with the promise of a new era. Shubman Gill, India’s dynamic Test captain, had come agonizingly close to eclipsing a record once deemed untouchable—Sunil Gavaskar’s 774 runs in a single Test series. As Gill fell just short, finishing with 754 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the iconic moment that followed was not about numbers but about legacy, respect, and the spirit of Indian cricket.

Sunil Gavaskar present Shubman Gill with memorabilia

On the tense third evening, as India looked poised for a series-levelling fight against England, Gavaskar stepped onto the field not just as a commentator but as a living legend with a message. Walking over to Gill in the post-match glow, he offered him more than just words—presenting a signed cap and a special shirt emblazoned with the “SG” initials, a personal symbol rarely shared beyond his closest circle.

“This is a little cap, which I give to very few people with my signature,” Gavaskar told Gill, encapsulating the weight of the moment. It was a gesture not just of recognition but of passing the torch. Gavaskar also revealed he would don his ‘lucky jacket’—the same one he wore during India’s triumphant day at the Gabba in 2021, where Gill played a key role—to wish the young captain luck for the final push.

Gill’s 754 runs, at a stunning average of over 75, didn’t just come close to Gavaskar’s legendary mark; they established a new summit—making him the Indian Test captain with the highest run tally in a single series. The previous record, also Gavaskar’s, had stood since 1978/79 but was now Gill’s to savor. Four remarkable centuries, a constant presence at the crease, and the composure of a leader in the making—these were the metrics that mattered as legends connected across generations.

Here’s the video:

A wholesome moment between Shubman Gill & Sunil Gavaskar 😍#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings | @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/2wYhLiMCAR

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 2, 2025

Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj pulls off Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’ celebration after cleaning up Zak Crawley in the Oval Test

Gill’s legacy of new records and inspirations

Though Gill’s chase for the all-time Indian series record ended on a rare off-day—scores of 21 and 11 leaving him 21 runs short—the narrative was already bigger than statistics. His 754 runs now stand not just as the most by an Indian captain in a series but have also placed him in elite international company, trailing only Don Bradman for runs in a single series by a captain.

Post-match, the Indian dressing room buzzed with the pride of a hard-fought campaign. India had set England a daunting 374, ending Day 3 with their fast bowlers—particularly Mohammed Siraj—on the front foot, dismissing opener Zak Crawley late in the day. The series, regardless of its final outcome, has already handed Indian fans a new hero—and a heartwarming story of legacy, humility, and mutual respect.

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Most runs as a captain in a Test series ft. Shubman Gill