Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma’s Opening Partnership
Despite Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century grabbing the limelight, the opening partnership between captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill was instrumental in securing the match in Pune. Sharma’s 48 runs at the top of the order, following his impressive 86 and 131 against Pakistan and Afghanistan respectively, set the stage for India’s victory.
Shubman Gill, in his second World Cup appearance, contributed a significant half-century, setting the team on the path to victory even before Kohli’s century.
India’s Successful Chasing Strategy
India’s flawless start to the tournament, winning all four matches by bowling first, has been a significant morale booster for the team. This is particularly noteworthy given India’s previous struggles with chasing in the bilateral series against Australia and the Asia Cup against Bangladesh.
Gill acknowledged the team’s improved chasing performance, stating, “Having won all the four matches while chasing, it’s a great way to have that momentum with us in those big games that we’ll have moving forward.”
Role of Pitch Conditions and Toss
Pre-tournament discussions suggested that pitch conditions and the toss could significantly influence the outcomes at some World Cup venues. Factors such as dew could potentially make batting easier in the second innings. However, Gill noted that the pitch conditions in Pune remained consistent throughout the evening, contributing to India’s smooth chase.
Rohit Sharma’s Impactful Start
Rohit Sharma’s 40-ball 48 set the pace for India’s chase. His aggressive approach in the last three matches has helped bring down the required run rate during the opening powerplay. Gill praised Sharma’s approach, stating that it provided the right momentum for the team.
Learning from Experienced Players
Gill, who is surrounded by in-form players like Rohit and Kohli, finds it extremely beneficial to learn from such experienced players. He said, “To see them how they go about their business in World Cup and in big games is what I always try to learn from them.”
Gill’s Successful ODI Career
Despite missing India’s first two matches due to illness, Gill has had a successful ODI career, nearing 2000 runs in just 37 matches with an average of 64.06. He expressed relief at being able to return to the game and contribute to the team’s success.