It’s the fourth ball of the eighth over in the third ODI. Opener Shubman Gill steps out of the crease to England pacer Saqib Mahmood. Mahmood, along with Mark Wood (who has already dismissed captain Rohit Sharma), has been trying to bowl in areas where the batters can’t easily play their shots.
But Gill is one step ahead. By walking down the pitch, he changes the length of the delivery, frees his arms, and lofts the ball over wide mid-on. Gill’s shots look so elegant, and he plays this shot multiple times during his innings.
This strategy helps him score his seventh ODI century, a well-played 112, which helps India post a massive 356 runs. In reply, England is bowled out for 214.
Interestingly, this same shot had caused Gill’s dismissal during the fifth Test against Australia on a lively Sydney pitch earlier this year. In that game, while stepping out to debutant pacer Beau Webster, he edged the ball to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Since then, Gill has worked hard on this shot. Former India player and Gill’s Punjab teammate, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, shared how Gill corrected his mistakes after returning from the Australia series. “Gill never removes a shot from his batting. Instead, he perfects it. He analyzes where he went wrong, practices it repeatedly in the nets, and ensures he masters it,” Mann told TOI.
Mann mentioned that Gill worked on keeping his head stable while playing the shot. “Gill focused on keeping his head steady, aligning his feet properly, and maintaining balance,” Mann explained. “He missed out on a century in the first two matches, so this hundred was due.”
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir also praised Gill’s batting and his return to form ahead of the Champions Trophy. When asked about Gill’s ODI success compared to Tests, Gambhir said, “The issue is we judge players after every match. He’s still young, just 25, and has a bright future. He’s been consistent in ODIs, and in Tests too, he’s shown that he belongs. It’s tough, but with time, he will deliver there too.”
Gambhir added, “If someone can perform in ODIs, there’s no reason he can’t do it in Tests. He has played good innings in Tests as well. Judging young players after every game doesn’t help Indian cricket. We need to trust them, back them, and allow them to grow. Imagine where they could be in the next few years if we support them properly.”
Gurkeerat also shared Rohit Sharma’s thoughts about batting with Gill. “Rohit enjoys batting with him because Gill doesn’t change his approach, no matter how Rohit scores. When legends like Rohit retire, players like Gill will make the transition smoother for Indian cricket.”
For now, Shubman Gill’s form is key for India as they prepare for the Champions Trophy.
