IND vs ENG: 'An Absolute Masterclass' - Sourav Ganguly Lauds Shubman Gill After Stellar Knock at Edgbaston

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Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has heaped rich praise on current skipper Shubman Gill for his sensational performance in the ongoing second Test against England in Birmingham.

Leading India in just his second Test as captain, Gill delivered a commanding and composed innings that left England on the back foot.

Gill amassed a brilliant 269 off 387 deliveries-his highest score in Test cricket-laced with 30 boundaries and 3 sixes. The marathon knock spanned nearly two days and put India in a dominant position in the match.

An impressed Ganguly did not hold back in his admiration, calling the innings a "masterclass" and one of the finest ever played in English conditions.

"An absolute masterclass from Gill... just flawless... one of the best innings I have seen in England in any era. So much improvement in the last few months. Probably opening was not his place in Test cricket. A Test to win for India," Ganguly remarked on X on Thursday.

Gill's double-century steered India to a colossal total of 587 in their first innings. By stumps on Day Two, the visitors had further tightened their grip on the match by removing three of England's top-order batters, giving themselves a lead of 510 runs going into Day Three.

England will resume their first innings on the third morning with Joe Root (18*) and Harry Brook (30*) at the crease. India, eyeing a series-levelling win, will be aiming to skittle out the hosts quickly and push for victory.

Notably, India are without premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah in this Test-a decision that has sparked widespread criticism from both fans and pundits. However, the bowling unit responded strongly, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep claiming three early wickets within the first 20 overs.

With morning conditions potentially aiding the seamers, India will look to capitalise and dismantle England's middle order.

As the Test enters a crucial phase, Gill's masterful innings has not only given India the upper hand but also drawn comparisons to some of the all-time great performances in England.