Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India]: India vice-captain Shubman Gill shared insights into his stellar 87-run knock against England in the first ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday, emphasizing his approach to playing good cricketing shots without relying too much on the back foot.
Gill, along with Shreyas Iyer, played a crucial role in guiding India to a four-wicket victory. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill acknowledged how Iyer’s attacking intent helped push England onto the back foot.
“The idea was not to go too much on the back foot, but to play good cricketing shots. When a player like [Iyer] comes in with that aggressive mindset, the opposition also gets defensive. It was a good decision on his part, and it also helped me,” Gill told ESPNcricinfo.
Gill’s Favorite Shot & Pitch Conditions
Gill also revealed his favorite shot from the innings—a powerful pull through midwicket when he was batting on 70.
He further assessed the pitch conditions, describing them as double-paced and noting how spinners effectively varied their pace to generate turn.
“Spinners varied their pace well. When they bowled slow, the ball was turning. I had it in mind to look for shots square of the wicket rather than hitting straight down the ground,” Gill added.
Match Recap: India’s Bowling Performance
- England won the toss and opted to bat first.
- England’s key performances:
- Phil Salt – 43 off 26 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes)
- Ben Duckett – 32 off 29 balls (6 fours)
- Jos Buttler (Captain) – 52 off 67 balls (4 boundaries)
- Jacob Bethell – 51 off 64 balls (3 fours, 1 six)
- Jofra Archer – 21* off 18 balls (3 fours, 1 six)
- England was bowled out for 248 in 47.4 overs.
- Top Indian bowlers:
- Ravindra Jadeja – 3/26
- Harshit Rana – 3/53
- Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav – 1 wicket each
India’s Run Chase: Key Contributions
- Shubman Gill – 87 off 96 balls (14 fours)
- Shreyas Iyer – 59 off 36 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes)
- Axar Patel – 52 off 47 balls (6 fours, 1 six)
- India chased down the target in 44.3 overs, winning by four wickets.
England’s Bowling Efforts
- Saqib Mahmood – 2 wickets
- Adil Rashid – 2 wickets
Next Match: India vs England, 2nd ODI
The two teams will meet again for the second ODI on Sunday in Cuttack.