Shubman Gill, a young Indian opener, became the youngest to score a double century in ODIs on Wednesday. He said that his intention was to put New Zealand’s bowlers under pressure.
Gill hit a master-class 208, off 149 balls, with 19 fours & nine maximums to lift India up to 349 for 8.
Gill stated that he was eager to get out there and do what he wanted after India’s 12-run victory over New Zealand in this series opener.
Gill was a great player, with his 50th run coming off 52 balls. In just 35 deliveries, Gill went from 50 to 100 and then again from 100 to 150 with just 35 balls.
Gill’s final rush was what really saw the acceleration take off. He went from 150 to 200 in 23 balls and passed the double-century mark thanks to three consecutive sixes.
“With wickets falling at times, I wanted to unleash and I’m glad that I was able to do it at the finish. Gill spoke out about Gill’s strategy, saying that sometimes the bowler is at the top and you have to make them feel pressure.
“I had to be careful not to get into dot balls, show some intent, and hit the gaps hard.
“I didn’t think of 200 but I felt that I could once I hit sixes the 47th over. “Before that, I was just playing what was coming at me.”
Gill, now 23 years old and 132 days, is the youngest player to score two-hundred runs in men’s cricket. He surpasses his teammate Ishan Kirshan who was 24 years and 145days when he set the record last month with his 210 against Bangladesh.
“He (Kishan), is one of my closest friends… Gill stated that it feels good to be able to do something you want and it’s happening on a regular basis.
Gill completed 1000 runs in ODIs in 19 innings, which was joint-second-fastest with Imam-ul-Haq.
Fakhar Zaman, who reached the mark in just 18 innings, is the fastest.
Virat Kohli (24 innings) and Shikhar Dawan (24 innings), were the fastest Indians to 1,000 ODI runs.
“It (double-ton) has sunk well. It’s not a “wow” feeling, but it’s nice to feel the ball go off the bat exactly the way you want.
There is a certain satisfaction. Gill stated that this is a feeling similar to what dreams are made from.
Rohit Sharma, India’s skipper, was also glowing in his praise for Gill. “Gill bat is amazing, clean hitting and no aerial shots. For the type of form he was playing, we wanted to give him a chance before the Sri Lanka series. Rohit stated that he is a fluid batsman.
Rohit also praised India pacer Mohammed Siraj who scored figures of 4/46.
“Siraj is brilliant. He has excelled in both the two formats. He is now running hard and clear about his goals. The skipper said that he isn’t afraid to use the shortball, which is also exciting.
