Who is Don Bradman?
Sir Donald George Bradman, known as “The Don,” was an Australian cricketer born on August 27, 1908, and widely regarded as the greatest batsman in cricket history. His incredible skill and consistency made him a legend. Bradman played 52 Test matches for Australia between 1928 and 1948, setting records that remain unmatched. He passed away in 2001, but his legacy lives on.
Don Bradman’s Records
- Highest Test Batting Average: Bradman’s Test average of 99.94 is the highest ever. He scored 6,996 runs in 80 innings, with 29 centuries.
- Most Runs in a Test Series: In the 1930 Ashes, he scored 974 runs, a record that still stands.
- Most Double Centuries: Bradman holds the record for 12 double centuries in Tests, more than any other player.
- Fastest to 1,000 Runs as Captain: He reached 1,000 Test runs as captain in just 11 innings.
- Four Centuries in a Series: As captain, he scored four centuries in a single series against India in 1947.
Bradman’s dominance was so great that his batting average was nine standard deviations above the next best 166 batsmen, a statistical feat unmatched in any sport. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently made him a cricketing icon.
Who is Shubman Gill?
Shubman Gill is a young Indian cricketer and the current Test captain of India. At 25, he has emerged as one of the brightest talents in world cricket. In the ongoing 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, Gill has been in sensational form, scoring 722 runs in four Tests, including four centuries.
Why is Shubman Gill Compared to Don Bradman?
Shubman Gill’s recent performances have drawn comparisons to Bradman due to his extraordinary run-scoring and potential to break some of the legend’s records. Here’s why:
- Chasing Bradman’s Records: Gill has 722 runs in the 2025 series against England, just 225 runs short of Bradman’s 810 runs as captain in the 1936-37 Ashes. He’s also 390 runs away from Bradman’s 974-run record in a single Test series.
- Four Centuries in a Series: Gill has matched Bradman by scoring four centuries in a single Test series, a feat only a few, like Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar, have achieved.
- First Asian to score 700+ Runs in England: Gill is the first Asian to score 700+ runs in a Test series in England, showcasing his ability to dominate in tough conditions, much like Bradman.
- Historic Double Ton and 150: At Edgbaston, Gill became the first cricketer to score a double century (269) and 150+ (161) in the same Test, a unique achievement even Bradman didn’t accomplish.
- Fastest to 1,000 Runs as Captain: Gill needs 415 runs in his next six innings to break Bradman’s record of reaching 1,000 Test runs as captain in 11 innings.
Gill’s form, with 585 runs in the first two Tests alone, outpaces Bradman’s 394 runs at the same stage in the 1930 Ashes. His composure, leadership, and ability to score big in England have led experts like Dilip Vengsarkar to believe he could challenge Bradman’s records.
Conclusion
Don Bradman remains the gold standard in cricket, with records that seemed unbreakable. Shubman Gill, with his record-breaking performances in 2025, is proving he can challenge the legend’s legacy. As Gill continues his career, cricket fans are excited to see if he can get even closer to The Don’s iconic milestones.
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