Shubman Gill has added another impressive milestone to his Test career, becoming the fourth-youngest Indian batter to cross the 3,000-run mark in the longest format. The India captain reached the landmark during the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Sunday. With this, Gill placed himself in an elite club of Indian batters.
5 youngest Indian batters to reach 3000 Test runs
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 23 years, 228 days
Sachin Tendulkar remains comfortably at the top of the list and set a benchmark that has stood for decades. The legendary batter reached 3,000 Test runs at just 23 years and 228 days, underlining how quickly he established himself as one of India’s most dependable run-scorers. Tendulkar’s ability to handle pressure from a remarkably young age helped him become a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup. His extraordinary consistency eventually saw him rewrite numerous batting records, including becoming the leading run-scorer in Test cricket.
2. Virender Sehwag – 26 years, 157 days
Virender Sehwag occupies second place after reaching 3,000 Test runs at the age of 26 years and 157 days. The explosive opener brought an attacking approach to Test cricket and frequently put bowlers under pressure from the very beginning of an innings. Sehwag’s fearless strokeplay made him one of India’s most entertaining Test batters, while his ability to convert starts into substantial scores made him an invaluable member of the side. He went on to become one of India’s most prolific opening batters in the format.
3. Dilip Vengsarkar – 26 years, 263 days
Dilip Vengsarkar reached the 3,000-run milestone at 26 years and 263 days, making him the third-youngest Indian batter to achieve the feat. A technically sound batter, Vengsarkar was particularly respected for his composure and ability to build innings patiently. He played a significant role in India’s middle order during a period when the team was developing its identity in Test cricket. His performances, especially against high-quality attacks, helped cement his reputation as one of India’s finest batters of his generation.
4. Shubman Gill – 26 years, 349 days
Gill has now moved into fourth place on this prestigious list after reaching 3,000 Test runs at 26 years and 349 days. Gill entered the second Test against Sri Lanka needing only seven runs to complete the milestone and got there in the 23rd over. An outside edge off Keshara Nuwantha travelled to the boundary, sparking another landmark moment in his rapidly developing Test career. As India’s captain, Gill has already taken on significant responsibility with the bat, and reaching 3,000 runs before turning 27 further highlights his potential to build a remarkable career in the format.
5. Kapil Dev – 26 years, 356 days
Kapil Dev rounds out the top five, having reached 3,000 Test runs at 26 years and 356 days. Better known globally for his outstanding all-round abilities and leadership, Kapil was also a valuable contributor with the bat throughout his Test career. His aggressive style and ability to produce important runs made him a dangerous lower-order batter. Alongside his legendary fast bowling, his batting contributions played a crucial role in India’s success during the 1980s.
Gill’s achievement places him alongside some of the most celebrated batters in Indian Test history. While Tendulkar’s record remains well ahead of the rest, Gill’s early arrival at 3,000 runs provides another indication of his growing stature in the longest format. With the India captain still in the early stages of his career, the milestone could be another stepping stone towards a much bigger collection of Test records.
