Shubman Gill: ‘Yes, I was’: Shubman Gill admits he was chasing a hundred after suffering cramps against Afghanistan | Cricket news
New Delhi: Captain India Shubman Gill He revealed he had a double century in his eyes after producing a scintillating 154 against Afghanistan in the second ODI on Wednesday, saying he had set himself a target ahead of the series to bat deep and turn starts into match-defining scores.Gill overcame oppressive conditions and severe cramps to anchor India’s massive total of 402 before the home team completed a 170-run thrashing in Lucknow to clinch the three-match series. When asked if he was eyeing the 200 mark, Gill admitted he was starting to think about it.“Yes, I was, but I knew I was going to have to keep hitting my shots, with 430, 440, 450 in mind,” the MVP said.The India skipper added that he is currently enjoying one of the best phases of his career.“Honestly, in a very good space. The ball goes exactly where I want it and I feel very confident from the first ball,” he said.
Gill and Kishan power India to 402
Gill’s 154 off 110 balls, laced with 22 boundaries and two sixes, combined with Ishan Kishan’s explosive 125 off 79 deliveries to put the Afghan bowlers to the sword. The duo shared a 224-run stand for the third wicket next Rohit Sharma 48 have contributedGill revealed that he set himself a specific goal before the series.“I had a goal for myself to be out there, finish matches and bat even 40-45 more and build the habit. When I start, I want to turn those matches into big matches,” he said.His innings eventually ended in an unusual way.“I actually think I centered it pretty well,” Gill joked about the reverse sweep that found a player in deep cover.
The heat takes its toll but India is dominant
The scorching conditions in Lucknow proved difficult, with several players suffering from muscle cramps. Gill hit himself with an ice hoop and did not return to the field after being ejected.“I was in a little pain and a lot of cramps when I came out, but it’s much better now,” he said after spending nearly 45 times in the crease.Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted his team had been outplayed.“You can’t put all the things in a bowler. Our bowling wasn’t good. We gave them momentum in the first 20 overs,” he said.Arshdeep Singh, who took 3/45, praised India’s young pace unit, saying that debutant Prince Yadav and fellow rookie Gurnur Brar are “hungry for success and take wickets for fun”.With Chennai set to host the final ODI on Saturday, Gill’s brilliant knock not only clinched the series but also highlighted his growing appetite for truly phenomenal results.
