'My favourite journalist...': Shubman Gill mocks British reporter after ending India's Edgbaston curse
wasn't just keeping track of runs and wickets in India's historic Test win at Edgbaston—he was also keeping receipts.
After leading India to their first-ever Test victory in Birmingham, the 24-year-old walked into the post-match press conference with a grin and a mission. "I can't see my favourite journalist. Where is he? I wanted to see him," Gill said, scanning the room as the press chuckled.
It was a clear reference to a pre-match exchange, where a
British journalist
had pointedly reminded Gill of India's winless record at Edgbaston, noting that the team had never beaten England in nine previous matches at the venue.
— AnkanKar (@AnkanKar)
The moment, now circulating widely online, was seen as a confident clapback—not on social media, but after a landmark performance on the pitch.
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'I don't really believe in history and stats'
Further, Gill addressed the pressure of India's past failures at the venue.
'I even said before the Test match that I don't really believe in history and stats,' he said.
'Over the last 56 years or so, we've played nine matches—different teams have come here. I believe we are the best team to have come here in England, and we have the capability to beat them, to win the series from here.'
He added, 'If we keep making the right decisions and keep fighting, I think it would be one of the series to remember.'
Praise for India's pace attack
With
Jasprit Bumrah
rested for the Test, India's chances were doubted further. But Gill hailed his relatively inexperienced pace attack—Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna—for delivering under pressure.
'Our bowlers were magnificent. We are capable of taking 20 wickets anywhere,' he said.
'The consistency from both ends—Siraj, Akash, and even Prasidh—helped us win the little moments. That's what makes the difference.'
Gill also singled out the impact of the second new ball. 'When the ball is soft on a flat pitch, it's tough to stop runs. With the harder ball, wickets come easier. That second new ball spell changed the game for us.'
'We don't listen to outside noise'
On his own preparations, the captain revealed that he had begun working on technical aspects of his batting during the latter stages of the 2025 IPL season.
'I started working on some things during the last phase of the IPL,' he said.
Responding to recent scrutiny over his form and leadership, Gill remained unfazed. 'We don't listen to outside noise. Opinions change every game. If your teammates trust you, that's what matters.'
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