37 Tests In: Can Gill Measure Up to Lara’s Legendary Start?

Cricket fans love comparisons. Whether it’s a fiery debate at a local tea stall or a heated Twitter thread, comparing legends (and future legends) is part of the fun. The cricketing arena in England witnessed Shubman Gill at his sensational best. His eye-catching performances have sparked renewed debates across fans and experts alike. After a stellar performance as India’s Test captain, scoring 754 runs in five matches, many are asking: how does he stack up against the West Indies maestro Brian Lara after the same number of Tests? Let’s unpack the stats and see who really comes out on top—numbers, context, and all.

Batting Brilliance: Runs and Averages

First things first—let’s talk runs. After 37 outings in whites, Gill’s scoreboard reads 2,647 runs at a tidy 41.35, showing consistency and flair. That includes a jaw-dropping 1,346 runs in just 15 matches against England at an average of 51.76. His record against Australia and New Zealand is decent, with 537 and 324 runs respectively, while Bangladesh accounts for 321 runs at 45.85.

Now, Lara’s numbers at the same stage are, frankly, legendary. Lara racked up 3,361 runs at a stellar 55.09, with a jaw-dropping 1,563 runs from 11 Tests against England, averaging nearly 92. He also racked up 938 runs against Australia and had solid outings against New Zealand and Pakistan.

Hundreds and Match Impact

Another interesting angle is hundreds. Shubman Gill’s 37-Test journey boasts nine hundreds and seven fifties, six of which were against England, whereas Lara managed seven centuries and 18 fifties, highlighted by his iconic 375.

While Lara had more consistency in terms of fifties, Gill’s ability to convert starts into centuries—especially under pressure as a young captain—is impressive. His 269 & 161 in Birmingham didn’t just pad his stats; they literally helped India compete in conditions that have historically troubled visiting sides.

When we dig deeper into wins, the difference is even more intriguing. Gill has scored 1,573 runs in 18 winning Tests at an average of 54.24, clearly performing when it mattered most. Lara, meanwhile, had 1,119 runs in 15 wins at 50.86—not bad at all, but Gill’s impact in winning causes seems slightly sharper at this stage.

Away Records: Handling Pressure Abroad

Cricket purists often measure greatness by how a player performs away from home, and here’s where it gets juicy. On foreign soil, Gill has compiled 1,403 runs in 18 Tests at 43.84, crossing the hundred-mark five times.

The takeaway? While Lara’s away record is more polished, Gill is quickly adapting to foreign conditions. The England tour proved he can dominate in swinging conditions—a crucial skill for any modern-day great. And given his age, the best is arguably yet to come.

So, who’s better after 37 Tests? If we purely look at runs, averages, and fifties, Lara edges out Gill. But cricket isn’t just numbers. Gill’s recent exploits, leadership qualities, and ability to rise in high-pressure situations give him a unique edge in context. While Lara was extraordinary, Gill is building a story of his own—one that could very well surpass even the legend from the West Indies if he keeps this trajectory.

FAQs

1. What’s the count of Shubman Gill’s Test hundreds after 37 matches?

Gill has nine hundreds in 37 Tests.

2. How many fifties did Brian Lara have after 37 Tests?

During his early Test career spanning 37 games, Lara compiled 18 scores of fifty or more.

3. How does Gill’s conversion rate of fifties to hundreds compare with Lara’s?

Gill has nine hundreds from 16 scores of fifty or more, while Lara had seven hundreds from 25 scores of fifty-plus.