Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has praised Indian captain Shubman Gill for his record-breaking double century in the second One-Day International against the West Indies, describing the young batter as a player who continues to grow in stature with time, experience and responsibility. The comments came after India completed a historic chase of 406 runs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Speaking to media outlets following the match, Harbhajan highlighted Gill’s steady evolution since his days in the Under-19 setup. “Shubman Gill is only growing in stature with time.

He is the captain now, and I have been seeing him play tremendously well continuously since the Under-19s. And as he is becoming an experienced player, his game is getting better and better. So it’s a very proud moment for me to say that Shubman Gill has come up from where he started, and his father’s contribution is huge,” the former off-spinner said. He went on to emphasise the hard work behind the performance and the quiet support of Gill’s family. “And the hard work he has put in, the results he is delivering for the team, it’s outstanding. Brilliant knock, I mean, no one has ever made 200 that fast. So many congratulations to Shubman, and my congratulations to his father, because I know if anyone will be the happiest about these runs Shubman has made, it won’t be Shubman; it will be his father.”

Gill’s unbeaten 223 off 133 balls formed the centrepiece of India’s eight-wicket victory, achieved with 39 balls remaining. The innings contained 26 fours and eight sixes and featured the fastest double century in ODI history, reached in just 117 deliveries. That mark improved upon the previous record held by Ishan Kishan, who had taken 126 balls to reach 200 against Bangladesh in 2022. It was also Gill’s second ODI double hundred, following his 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad in 2023, making him only the second Indian after Rohit Sharma to score more than one double century in the format. In addition, the knock stands as the highest individual score by a captain in ODIs and the highest score recorded in any successful ODI chase.

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The platform for the record pursuit was established by a commanding 255-run opening partnership between Gill and Rohit Sharma. Rohit contributed 101 off 72 balls, striking 10 fours and six sixes, and in the process became only the third Indian after Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to reach the landmark of 12,000 ODI runs. West Indies had earlier posted their highest-ever total in the format, 405 for 7, built around three centuries from John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo. The contest produced an aggregate of 811 runs—the third-highest in ODI history—and became the first match in the format to feature five individual centuries. Despite the formidable target and the early dominance shown by the visiting batters, India’s top order dismantled the bowling attack with controlled aggression on a pitch that offered limited assistance to the bowlers.

Harbhajan’s remarks reflect a wider recognition within the cricket community that Gill’s batting maturity and leadership responsibilities have developed in tandem. Once viewed primarily as a highly talented young opener, the Punjab batter has assumed the captaincy and delivered consistent performances under pressure. His ability to accelerate after a measured start, as demonstrated by the century reached in 62 balls and the subsequent acceleration to the double hundred, underlined both technical refinement and mental composure. The presence of experienced campaigners such as Rohit Sharma at the other end further stabilised the chase and allowed Gill the freedom to dominate.

India’s successful pursuit ranks as the second-highest successful chase in men’s ODI cricket, behind only South Africa’s famous 438 against Australia in Johannesburg in 2006. With the series already decided, the final match of the three-game contest offers both sides an opportunity to fine-tune combinations ahead of future assignments. For Gill, the Guwahati innings will be remembered as a statement of authority—one that combined personal milestones with a team triumph on a scale rarely witnessed in the format. Harbhajan’s endorsement, rooted in long observation of the player’s journey, adds a senior voice to the growing appreciation of Gill’s rising stature in Indian cricket.

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