Indian skipper Shubman Gill has reflected on his historic opening alliance with Rohit Sharma in the second ODI against the West Indies at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday. Chasing a mammoth score of 406 runs, Rohit and Gill gave an ideal start to the team, adding 255 runs for the opening stand off 158 balls.
The pair added 92 runs in the Powerplay overs (first 10) to put India in a good position in the run-chase. Rohit went on to score 101 runs off 75 balls with the help of 10 fours and six sixes whereas Gill played a magnum opus knock of 233 runs off 133 balls and thus broke multiple records.
“He makes the job of the other opener very easy. We thought at the end of the powerplay if we would be around 70-80 without losing wickets, we would be in a good position. That is what we did and after the powerplay, Rohit bhai just unleashed and then I had to catch up at one point. Once I caught up, then I thought if the ball is my zone I will target and take on the bowlers,” Shubman Gill said. (via bcci.tv)
Rohit also praised Gill for scoring a majestic double century in the run chase.
“Accha lagta hai yaar (It feels good). You don’t score 200 every day. So it is a very memorable moment for him. He played beautifully, as well saw. Much control from ball number one till the end of it. What was pleasing to see that fielding for 50 overs and then batting for almost 40 odd overs, it’s not easy. But that shows determination and concentration which we always talk about. It does not happen every time, so we will take a lot from this,” he expressed.
Rohit added that the first goal is to win the series and expressed his delight in playing a key role in India’s eight-wicket win.
“First goal, when we play any series, is to win the game, win the series. We ticked those boxes there. It was hot and humid. When the conditions are challenging, not the pitch, I would take a lot of confidence from this. More than getting a hundred, I think it was very pleasing for me to be out there and doing the job. I am sure it is the same for him. Captaining for 50 overs, the captain goes through so much stress. Then to come out and bat like that and stay not out, a big positive,” he said.
