After the powerplay, the pressure never really was on us – Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill rode roughshod over West Indies, pummeling his highest individual score in an ODI innings. Gill scored an unbeaten 223 from just 133 balls as the Men in Blue secured the bragging rights in the second ODI, chasing a record 406-run target with 39 balls to spare.
Gill earned the Player of the Match award for his sensational knock, leading his side from the front. Talking at the post-match presentation, Gill opened up on his physical state after playing a marathon knock without showing exhaustion. He explained India's plan to chase down the total while also shedding light on the surface.
Opening up on his physical state after playing a gem of a knock, Gill said, “I mean, I think every part of my body is cramping right now, and it was very hot in the afternoon. When we had about 13 overs, it was feeling like we have already fielded for 20-25 overs, the way they were batting. So great game, I think.”
Reflecting on his second double-hundred, Gill added, “I mean, at the halfway mark, 400 on the board, there was a bit of pressure on us. Never, no matter how good the wicket is, no matter how small the ground is, chasing 400 is never easy. So very pleased with the performance and very happy that I was able to stay till the end and finish the game for the team.”
Speaking about his mindset, Gill stated, “Honestly, it's just about playing, I break the game into small parts. First, we had a target in the powerplay that if we get around 75-80 runs without losing any wicket, that would be a good start. Initially, the ball might do a bit with the new ball. Once the ball gets old, the wicket would get much better to bat on, and one side was very short, so we thought we're going to target that side whenever the fast bowlers come on. And at about 25 overs, I thought if we are around 200-210, we'll be in a good space.”
He further added, “But I think we were around 230-240, and I think after the powerplay, the pressure never really was on us. It was more on them, and we didn't lose any wickets up until halfway through our innings, so that was a great bonus for us.”
Explaining the conditions in Guwahati, Gill added, “I thought initially we didn't bowl that well in the powerplay, much similar to the first game as well. We didn't bowl well in the powerplay, and they batted with a lot of freedom. They batted quite well, and I think at one point it looked like they might get even 420-430. And to be able to pull the game back, even if it's 25-30 runs, was a bonus for us at the back end of the innings.”
He concluded by hinting at potential changes in the Indian combination in the final clash, adding, “Yeah, maybe. I definitely want to give the players who haven't had a chance, give them a chance, and hopefully we'll see what combination suits us and they'll get some chance.”
