Young India batter Shubman Gill, who was appointed Rohit Sharma's deputy in the ongoing ODI series against England and Champions Trophy 2025, got a dream start in his first ODI assignment as vice-captain. The right-handed batter scored 87 off 96 balls to clinch the Player of the Match award in India's four-wicket win against England in the first ODI at VCA stadium in Nagpur. Gill, who batted at number No.3 as debutant left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, opened the innings alongside Rohit Sharma. Gill braved cramps and hit 14 boundaries in his spotless innings. He was India's top-scorer as they knocked down England's 249-run target in 38.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Gill revealed the India captain Rohit Sharma had told him to give his inputs without hesitation. "In batting not much has changed," Gill said when asked about being elevated as the vice-captain of the ODI team. "...but on the field I want to know what the thinking is and what Rohit bhai thinks and give my inputs. He tells me if you want to tell me anything in the match, do not hesitate."
England bowlers got the early breakthrough and Rohit and Jaiswal were dismissed in six overs. Gill who came to bat at number three, tried to be positive and stitched a 94-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer. Iyer who made his international comeback after more than a year scored 59 off 36 balls to take India back in the game.
"[Thoughts at 19 for 2] Trying to be positive. There was a little in it for fast bowlers. Idea was to not to go too much on the back foot, play good cricketing shots. When a player [Iyer] comes like that, the opposition also goes on the back foot. Good decision on his part, also helped me," Gill said.
Gill played some wonderful strokes but the pull shot through mid-wicket was his favourite. "The pull I hit through midwicket when I was batting on 70. [Sticky wicket?] I thought it was a bit double-paced. Spinners varied their pace well, when they bowled slow, it was turning. Had it in mind to look to the square of the wicket and not try to hit down the ground," he added.
Earlier, veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja and ODI debutant Harshit Rana's three-wicket haul each helped India to bundle out England for a below-par 248. After finishing this ODI series against England, Team India will travel to Dubai for the Champions Trophy 2025 where India will start their campaign against Bangladesh.