Just like the T20I series against Sri Lanka, India have once again started off things brilliantly in the One Day International series with a fine 67-run win at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. India were sensational with the bat as they posted a handsome total of 373 runs courtesy of great innings from India’s top order batters- Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and centurion Virat Kohli who was also adjudged the Man of the Match.

Gill, who was a surprise addition to the team considering Ishan Kishan’s double century against Bangladesh, revealed that Rohit Sharma had told him in practice sessions that he will open the innings in the ODI series against the Lankan Lions. In Shikar Dhawan’s absence, Indian fans thought Rohit will go towards his Mumbai Indians teammates Ishan Kishan but he selected Gill over the wicketkeeper-batter whereas KL Rahul came in as the wicketkeeper in the lineup.

There was some backlash over the decision taken by the Indian captain as Kishan definitely looked like someone who was in red hot form and even had the performances and the consistent knocks needed to get the nod. However the team management and the captain preferred Gill over him.

Despite all the noise, Gill batted with full freedom and alongwith Rohit, he gave India a brisk start. He scored a very fiery 70 runs and was very disappointed to miss out on the magical three figure mark. However he did enough to prove his doubters wrong.

During the post match press conference, Shubman Gill shared that it feels nice to know that he has the captain’s backing and confidence. He also opened up on the conversation that he had during practice sessions. He said, “Feels good when your captain backs you. This was the conversation we had during practice as well. He (Rohit) told me that I will be playing and Rahul (Dravid) bhai told me to play my natural game – whatever I have been doing in the one-dayers, just look to continue doing that.”

Gill did not hesitate in making his intentions clear and played his natural game as he brought up his half century in just 51 deliveries. He continued from there on and stitched a great partnership with Rohit Sharma, providing the platform for the likes of Kohli, KL Rahul and others to explode and the others exactly did that with Kohli making it big with a ton.

Gill was dismissed by Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka and was very disappointed to miss out on a century as he looked in sublime touch. Rohit Sharma also followed him soon as his innings ended at 83. But Virat Kohli made it count with a sensational 113 as it was his 73rd international century as he also equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 20 One Day International centuries at home.

Speaking on his partnership with Rohit Sharma, Gill shared how batting in Tests also helps him knowing how Rohit thinks and his playing style in certain situations and that helped him majorly as the duo added 143 runs for a brilliant opening stand for India. “I have batted with Rohit bhai before. We batted in Australia and in India as well, mainly in the Tests. It’s nice to bat with him. The conversation (between us) is generally about which bowlers to target and what they are trying to do. Accordingly, we make our plans,” Gill concluded.

India will now feature in the second One Day International against Sri Lanka on 12th January at the majestic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Rohit Sharma and his men will be looking to wrap up the series and hope that runs keep following for the Indian top order as they prepare for the World Cup, later this year.