Shubman Gill opens up about missing his century in the first India vs England ODI

A change in format didn't save the touring English team from India’s wrath following their 4-1 defeat in the T20I series. The second phase of England’s tour of India opened in Nagpur with the first ODI on Thursday. Keeping up their winning momentum, the Men in Blue decimated the visitors, outperforming England in every department. While the team effort emerged seamlessly, Shubman Gill hoarded the limelight with a defining knock in the chase. Under fire for his lackluster performances in the longer format, Gill redeemed his reputation in Nagpur as he effortlessly glided through the 50-over chase, a format that fittingly boasts the young batter's skills. However, despite a gritty stay at the crease, Shubman missed out on a well-deserved century.

Shubman Gill was "not thinking" about his century in the first India vs England ODI

India's regular prospect for the number 3 spot in the batting order, Virat Kohli, was ruled out of the first India vs England ODI due to swelling in his knee. His unavailability materialized into a debut chance for Yashasvi Jaiswal. Moreover, Shreyas Iyer, another star of the day, got a spot in the team when Kohli had to sit out due to the injury. Meanwhile, Jaiswal's inclusion in the Playing XI forced Shubman Gill to shift to the third batting position as the debutant opened the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma. The change in batting position, however, hardly hindered Gill. As India quickly lost the openers in the chase, the vice-captain adapted to the anchoring role, taking responsibility for concluding the chase. Following the match, Gill explained that batting at the third position in ODIs didn't put excessive pressure on him as he drew from his Test experience.

“I play at No. 3 in Tests, so it wasn't a big adjustment. It's always a challenge at that position because you have to adapt to the game situation. If the team loses quick wickets, you need to play sensibly. If the team starts well, you need to carry the momentum. My approach was simple—play according to the situation," Gill said following the match.

Coming in at three, Gill showed brilliant resistance as he carried the chase. The batter got a fiery partner in Shreyas Iyer, who punished the English bowlers as he cruised to his half-century in just 30 deliveries. However, the fireworks ended shortly after as Iyer departed for 59 off 36. Despite the setback, Gill stuck to his game as he knitted another impactful partnership with all-rounder Axar Patel. Gill's stay at the crease, however, came to an end after Patel and the next man in, KL Rahul, departed in quick succession. Batting at 87, the vice-captain was trapped by pacer Saqib Mahmood, as Gill's impactful knock failed to enter the century club. However, the century was the least of Gill's concerns, as he later explained that he played according to the situation.

“No, I wasn't thinking about my century. I was focused on the field placements and played my shots accordingly. I wanted to dominate the bowler, and I would have played the same shot even if I was in my 60s,” said Gill about missing out on his century.