India’s opening batter Shubman Gill admitted he is disappointed with himself after not being able to convert his starts into substantial scores in the first two ODIs against the West Indies. Gill scored a fluent knock of 64 runs in the first ODI off just 53 balls as he batted at the top of his game.
Subsequently, the right-hander got off to another start as he scored 43 runs off 49 balls but once again could not go on to convert it into a big score. In fact, it was a perfect opportunity for Gill to grab his chances in the absence of full-time skipper Rohit Sharma, who has been rested for the ODI series.
Gill has scored his runs at an impressive strike rate but hasn’t been able to play a long inning. In fact, the youngster had a soft dismissal in the second ODI when he tried to play a scoop shot but could only manage a bottom edge, which ballooned to the bowler.
Shubman Gill said in the pre-match press conference, “After getting those starts, unfortunately, I couldn’t convert them into a hundred and I am angry with myself for that.”
“They (the two innings) were a huge confidence booster. West Indies are a good team and we posted two good totals, one while batting first and the other while chasing. Hopefully, I will go big in the third match. The kind of starts I have been getting, I will aim to convert those into big innings.”
Gill added that the pitch conditions have suited him well in the first two matches. The right-hander has been playing with aplomb and it looks a matter of time before he gets a big score.
“The surfaces have suited me quite well here. There’s not been much lateral movement for the fast bowlers and the new ball has been coming on nicely. It’s been harder against the old ball which stops a little but overall batting here has been a really good experience. I am feeling very good, very confident about my batting.”
The right-hander from Punjab also revealed that being asked to open the innings by the team management has given him a lot of confidence.
“(It) gave me a lot of confidence. To be given to play a game for India, especially at the international level feels good. It was important for me to pay that trust back and I was happy to contribute to the team’s cause. Opening the batting alongside Shikhar has been great. He has so much experience, has played all over the world and I get to learn a lot.”
Gill had added a fine alliance of 119 runs in the first ODI with skipper Shikhar Dhawan. The third ODI will be played between West Indies and India will be played on Wednesday.
