The third day of the India vs England Test match brought with it a mix of brilliant cricket, intense drama, and viral moments. Shubman Gill, the young batting sensation, found himself at the heart of it all. His performance with the bat and his emotional outburst after a controversial decision became the talk of the cricketing world, sparking both admiration and debate. Fans across social media drew parallels with none other than Virat Kohli, comparing Shubman Gill‘s passionate reaction to decisions that didn’t go his way. As India continued their battle against England, Day 3 showcased not just the technical aspects of the game but also the human emotions that make cricket a beloved sport globally.
Shubman Gill’s Batting Performance Takes Center Stage
The pitch at Lord’s offered seam movement early on, making life tough for Indian openers. While India started cautiously, it was Shubman Gill who brought stability and class to the innings. Coming in at No. 3 after a quick loss of the openers, Gill had the daunting task of rebuilding. His technique against swing and bounce was a testament to his evolving maturity. With crisp drives, confident leaves, and well-timed pulls, Gill managed to silence his critics, at least for the moment. His partnership with Rohit Sharma and later with Rishabh Pant helped India inch closer to England’s first innings total.
Controversy Strikes: The Gill Outburst Goes Viral
What truly made headlines wasn’t just his scorecard but the events that unfolded when Shubman Gill was controversially declared out. Facing James Anderson, Gill nicked a delivery that seemed to brush the bat and pad almost simultaneously. The umpire raised his finger, but Gill reviewed it instantly. The ultra-edge and slow-motion replays were inconclusive, yet the third umpire upheld the decision. Visibly frustrated, Gill walked back shaking his head, and what followed was a display of raw emotion. He looked toward the dressing room, raised his bat, and mumbled words that, while inaudible, were full of fire.
The Internet Reacts: Memes, Comparisons, and Support
No sooner had Gill returned to the pavilion than the internet exploded. Within minutes, the hashtags #ShubmanGill, #GillVsUmpire, and #IndiaVsEngland began trending. Fans compared his fierce attitude to Virat Kohli, known for wearing his heart on his sleeve. Memes showing Gill with fiery eyes, captions reading “The new Kohli in town,” and edited videos of the moment flooded platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit. Many applauded his passion, seeing it as a reflection of a young player deeply invested in his team’s fortunes. Some critics, however, argued that such behavior could be seen as dissent and warned of possible consequences from the ICC.
What the Experts Said About Gill’s Reaction
Former cricketers and commentators were divided. While Sunil Gavaskar emphasized that players have a right to express frustration as long as it’s within limits, Michael Vaughan reminded fans that dissent towards umpires sets a bad precedent. Nasser Hussain, speaking on Sky Sports, said, “Shubman Gill is passionate, and that’s great for the game. But you don’t want players setting an example that it’s okay to argue with the umpire.” The debate continues as many wait to see whether Gill faces any fines or disciplinary actions.
Shubman Gill: The Rising Star Under Pressure
Regardless of the controversy, Shubman Gill’s innings on Day 3 of the India vs England Test confirmed one thing — he’s built for pressure. Known for his elegance and composure, Gill has slowly been finding his footing in the Test format. While he’s always been seen as a future star, the pressure of expectations and constant comparisons with senior players like Kohli, Pujara, and Rahul hasn’t made things easy. But with every match, Gill seems more prepared to take ownership, not just of his role but of the match situation itself.
India’s Position at the End of Day 3
India’s performance as a unit was commendable on Day 3. After bundling England out for a modest first-innings total, the Indian batting order looked determined to build a strong lead. Alongside Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant contributed significantly, pushing India into a comfortable position by stumps. The English bowlers struggled to maintain consistency, and fielding errors added to their woes. India’s strategy on Day 4 will now hinge on extending their lead to a safe margin before handing the ball to their in-form bowlers.
England fans crying over Gill’s fiery last 7 mins? Mate, your lads dished out the sledging for years, but when Captain Shubman gives it back, it’s ‘unsportsmanlike’? Take a sip of that tea and enjoy the spice! #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/ZKIFN4KknS
— Saurabh (@MR_CricAnalyst) July 13, 2025
Source: Saurabh
The Kohli Comparison: Inevitable or Premature?
One of the most striking themes of the day was the growing comparison between Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. While Kohli’s legacy is built on over a decade of excellence, Gill is still writing his first few chapters. Yet, fans and pundits can’t help but draw parallels — the aggression, the expressive reactions, the willingness to challenge the status quo. Kohli himself had his fair share of altercations with umpires, fielders, and opposition — and now, with Gill showing similar instincts, it opens up discussions about leadership, temperament, and the future of Indian cricket.
Shubman Gill’s Social Media Explosion
After his outburst, Shubman Gill took to social media and posted a cryptic tweet that read, “Sometimes silence speaks louder.” The tweet received over 1 million likes within hours. His Instagram story with a black screen and a broken bat emoji further fueled speculation. Fans and former players came out in support. Comments from cricketers like Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and even England’s Joe Root hinted at sympathy for Gill’s frustration. Clearly, his reaction resonated with many, even outside of India.
The Role of Technology and the Umpiring Debate
The incident once again brought the Decision Review System (DRS) under scrutiny. Many questioned the reliability of ultra-edge and hotspot technologies when it comes to thin edges. While technology aims to reduce umpiring errors, moments like these show it’s not foolproof. Indian captain Rohit Sharma voiced his concerns diplomatically during the post-day press conference, stating, “We believe in the system, but sometimes emotions take over. It’s cricket, after all.” The ICC has yet to comment officially, but the incident may reignite the call for a review of current DRS protocols.
Shubman Gill’s Test Career: Turning a New Leaf?
This knock at Lord’s, despite the controversy, might turn out to be a pivotal moment in Shubman Gill’s career. It showed that he isn’t just technically sound but emotionally invested. For any Test cricketer, especially in the high-stakes world of India vs England matches, that balance is critical. With legends like Rahul Dravid mentoring him, Gill has access to both the technical tools and the mental conditioning required to thrive in international cricket.
England’s Response to the Incident
The English team, to their credit, did not make a spectacle of the situation. Ben Stokes was seen having a word with Gill post-innings, perhaps offering some calming advice. James Anderson, the bowler involved in the controversial dismissal, declined to comment during the post-day interview, merely stating, “These things happen. It’s part of the game.” Whether the issue simmers down or leads to more drama on Day 4 remains to be seen.
Fans at Lord’s: Passion, Chants, and Unity
Interestingly, the crowd at Lord’s was deeply engaged during the entire Day 3 session. The chants of “Gill! Gill!” echoed across the stands as fans backed their man even as he walked back. It was a rare sight — an Indian crowd making their voice heard at the home of English cricket. The sea of tricolor flags and the shared frustration of the fans reflected how personal cricket is for Indian supporters. For many, Gill’s reaction mirrored their own emotions watching from the stands or screens.
Day 4 Expectations: What Lies Ahead
With India holding the upper hand at the end of Day 3, all eyes are now on how they will capitalize. Will Ravindra Jadeja continue his form with the bat? Can Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah deliver early blows to the English top order? Will Shubman Gill be back in focus for his on-field energy and support from the boundary? Day 4 promises more action, but the drama of Day 3 will undoubtedly linger in every mind.
Cricket is More Than Just a Game
Beyond the numbers and scores, Day 3 of India vs England reminded us why cricket is such a passionate affair. Shubman Gill’s outburst might become a footnote in the final result, or it may mark the beginning of a more aggressive, expressive version of the young batter. Either way, the sport was the real winner — showcasing talent, emotion, drama, and unpredictability all in one afternoon. As fans, that’s exactly what we live for.
Read Also: India vs England: K.L. Rahul Opens Up on Rishabh Pant’s Run-Out Drama at Lord’s