"Gill is only growing in stature with time": Harbhajan hails Shubman's record double century

# What happened

# Why this inning matters Gill's 223* included the fastest-ever ODI double century, reached in 117 balls. That double ton broke the previous fastest double-hundred record and made Gill only the second player with multiple double centuries in ODIs, alongside Rohit Sharma (who has three).

The innings also produced several records and notable marks:

• Third-highest individual ODI score, behind Rohit Sharma (264) and Martin Guptill (237*).
• Fastest century by an Indian captain in ODIs (Gill reached 100 in 62 balls, faster than Rohit's 63-ball ton as captain).
• Fastest 150 by an Indian in ODIs (reached 150 in 89 balls).
• First cricketer to score a double century while captaining in both Tests and ODIs (he previously made 269 at Edgbaston in Tests).

# Harbhajan Singh's reaction Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh praised Gill's continued growth. He noted Gill's progression since Under-19s, linked his improved performance to growing experience, and specifically acknowledged the role of Gill's father in his development. Harbhajan called the knock "outstanding" and congratulated both Gill and his father.

# Match context and other performances

India's chase was anchored by the massive Rohit–Gill opening stand. Rohit scored 101 off 75 balls. Later contributions included Virat Kohli (29 off 19) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (31* off 37), and India won by eight wickets.

# What the numbers say about Gill right now Through the year referenced in the report, Gill had scored 894 runs in 11 ODIs (10 innings) at an average of 127.71 and a strike rate of 119.51, including multiple centuries. Across his ODI career to date, he had accumulated 3,712 runs in 69 matches (68 innings) at an average of 65.12 and a strike rate over 103, with 11 centuries and 20 fifties.

# Brief takeaways for readers Shubman Gill's unbeaten 223* in a 406 chase is significant for its speed, the chase outcome, and its place among ODI records. Harbhajan Singh frames the performance as the result of sustained development and parental support. The match also highlighted both West Indies' batting firepower and India's ability to answer with an aggressive, record-setting chase.