India’s ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill slammed an unbeaten 223 against West Indies in a historic run chase of 406 against West Indies on September 30. Heading into the ODI World Cup 2027, there’s much talk about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma but Gill has been a prolific run-scorer in the calendar year. Dropped from T20I squad earlier this year, Gill has established himself as one of the top batters in the world. As he broke records in Guwahati ODI, he moved up to the second spot among batters with highest average in ODI history (minimum 1,000 runs).
Following an eight-wicket win to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, Gill now averages 65.12 in ODIs. He surpassed USA's Delhi-born batter Milind Kumar who has scored 1,214 runs from 27 ODI innings at an average of 63.89 including four tons and seven fifties. Meanwhile, after just 68 ODI innings, Gill has scored 3,712 runs featuring 11 tons and 20 fifties. It is an incredible feat considering Gill is an opener.
Who has highest ODI average?
The top spot is currently occupied by former Netherlands all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate with an ODI average of 67. From 32 innings, he has 1,541 runs including five centuries and nine fifties. Earlier this year, Doeschate had stepped down as India’s assistant coach.
Among current batters, the ones with 50-plus ODI average are Virat Kohli (59.01), New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell (57.36), Pakistan's Babar Azam (53.43), England's Joe Root (50.66) and West Indies skipper Shai Hope (50.21.). India's KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma closely follow them with averages of 49.44 and 49.09 respectively.
Gill’s excellent ODI form in 2026
Gill is the leading run-scorers in ODIs by far this calendar year. In 2026, he has played 11 ODIs and scored 894 runs from 10 innings at a stupendous average of 127.71, strike rate of 119.51. He has scored three centuries and five fifties. The next batter on the list is Root with 573 runs. Other batters with 500-plus runs in ODIs this year are Kohli (552 runs), Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee (513 runs) and Rohit (512 runs).
India have six more ODIs left in 2026. Gill can certainly extend his lead over others. Gill's best in ODIs in a year came in 2023. From 29 ODIs, he scored 1,584 runs at an average of 63.36 including five tons and nine half-centuries.
List of ODI records Gill broke and feats achieved with 223 not out
Gill recorded the fastest ODI double century from just 117 balls. The previous record belonged to his teammate Ishan Kishan who completed his double century from 126 balls against Bangladesh in December 2022.
This is Gill's double century in ODIs. Only Rohit has more ODI double centuries (three). Gill's previous ODI century came against New Zealand. In January 2023, he registered a 208-run knock.
Gill registered the third-highest score in ODIs. It is only bettered by former New Zealand opener with 237 not out against West Indies in 2015 and Rohit's behemoth 264-run knock against Sri Lanka in 2014. But, Gill broke the record for highest score in an ODI run chase. He broke Australia's Glenn Maxwell's record. Maxwell had scored 201 not out against Afghanistan in ODI World Cup 2023.
Gill also broke the record for highest score by an India batter in ODI run chase. The previous record was in possession of former captain MS Dhoni who had scored 183 against Sri Lanka in 2005.
Gill broke the record for the fastest 150 by an Indian batter in ODIs. Gill achieved the milestone in 89 deliveries.
Another record Gill broke was the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian captain. The skipper did it against West Indies from 62 balls. Three years ago, Rohit had scored a century from 63 balls against Afghanistan.
Gill set to face challenge on New Zealand soil
Many would argue that Gill’s 223 not out came in batting-friendly conditions where there wasn’t much assistance for pacers and spinners alike and the outfield was very fast. While Gill has a double ton in ODIs against the Kiwis, he will face challenge from pacers in New Zealand’s seaming conditions.
Gill had made his ODI debut on New Zealand soil in 2019. His previous ODI tour of New Zealand was in 2022. In his debut ODI series, he registered scores of 9 and 7 against the BlackCaps. In 2022, he scored a fifty followed by 45 not out and 13. He averages 31 in ODIs on New Zealand soil with 124 runs from five innings. His strike rate goes down to 77.01 as well. He’ll have the chance to improve his record in the upcoming five-ODI series which begins on November 4.
Also, Gill is yet to score an ODI century in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia). While the ODI World Cup 2027 is in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Gill is yet to play an ODI in South African conditions.
When is India’s next ODI match vs West Indies?
The third and final ODI of the series will be played in Chandigarh on October 3. India will be without the services of Prasidh Krishna who has suffered a hamstring injury. It is likely to pave the way for Mohammed Siraj to play his first game in the ODI series. Also, if India opt for a similar lineup, it would mean another ODI for Auqib Nabi who remained wicketless on his ODI debut.
What’s next for Gill?
After the ODI series' conclusion, Gill is likely to turn up for his state team in the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 to prepare for Test series against New Zealand. Gill is yet to play a Test on New Zealand soil which is set to be a different challenge for him. In year 2026, Gill has played three Tests and scored 200 runs from four innings at an average of 50 including a century.
India are currently ranked fifth in World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. They need to beat New Zealand to have a chance of qualifying for WTC final. After New Zealand tour, they face Australia at home next year.