Team India vice-captain Shubman Gill makes a sensational return to form in international cricket by smashing 87 runs in the 1st ODI vs England at Nagpur. The inngs helped India chase down a target of 249, and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
India are playing this series as a part of their preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but the side dealt a huge blow when Virat Kohli was ruled out of the 1st ODI due to injury.
The ‘Prince’ did not disappoint, and filled-in the shoes perfectly, by anchoring India’s successful chase against the 2019 ODI World Cup winners.
“Just trying to be positive. There was a little bit in the wicket for the pacers with the new ball. The thought process was not to go on the back foot and play some good cricketing shots. Yeah, definitely. When a player comes like that and takes the game on, it puts the opposition on the back foot. Obviously it was a good decision on his part and it helped me,” said Shubman Gill, who was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’.
“Ahh, I think when I was batting on 70 odd, the pull towards mid wicket was my favourite shot. When the spinners were bowling, odd ball was turning. For pacers, some balls were coming on, some were sticking. We had the plan to score square off the wicket. (on his role as vice-captain) In batting, not much, while on the field. I just try to observe Rohit bhai how he reads the game and if I have some suggestions, I can give it to him,” he added.
Virat Kohli’s Spot Under Threat?
However, the major question that can be derived from the Nagpur ODI is whether the No.3 spot in Team India up for grabs or not?
For more than a decade, Virat Kohli locked the spot with his consistency and match-winnung knocks. The right-handed batsman made a name for himself in the 50-over format, and now holds the record for most centuries in the format (50).
Virat Kohli’s recent form has been extremely poor, and his latest injury woes raise concerns over his match fitness and availability for the ICC mega event.
Therefore, if India deals an unfortunate blow of Virat Kohli being ruled out, Shubman Gill for now, looks the most reliable contender for the no.3 slot.
