Young Indian batter Shubman Gill who was appointed as Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the ongoing ODI series against England and Champions Trophy 2025, got a dream start in his first ODI assignment as vice-captain.
Gill scored 87 runs off 96 deliveries and was named the Player of the Match in India’s four-wicket win against England in the first ODI at VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
Shubman Gill batted at No.3 as debutant left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings along with Rohit Sharma. He smashed 14 boundaries in his spotless innings.
He was top scorer in India’s 249 run chase target in 38.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three match series.
“Gill revealed the India captain Rohit Sharma had told him to give his inputs without hesitation. “In batting not much has changed,” Gill said.
“…but on the field I want to know what the thinking is and what Rohit bhai thinks and give my inputs. He tells me if you want to tell me anything in the match, do not hesitate.”
England bowlers got the early breakthrough with Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal dismissed in six overs. Coming to bat at number three, Shubman Gill tried to be positive and stitched 94 run partnership with Shreyas Iyer.
“[Thoughts at 19 for 2] Trying to be positive. There was a little in it for fast bowlers. Idea was to not to go too much on the back foot, play good cricketing shots.”
“When a player [Iyer] comes like that, the opposition also goes on the back foot. Good decision on his part, also helped me,” Gill said.
“Gill played some wonderful strokes but the pull shot through mid-wicket was his favourite. “The pull I hit through midwicket when I was batting on 70. [Sticky wicket?] I thought it was a bit double-paced.”
“Spinners varied their pace well, when they bowled slow, it was turning. Had it in mind to look to the square of the wicket and not try to hit down the ground,” he added.
On the other hand, Veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Harshit Rana picked three wickets each helped the side to restrict England for 248.
After finishing this ODI series, team India will travel to Dubai for the Champions Trophy 2025 where India will start their campaign against Bangladesh.
