JuicyTalk
Shubman Gill was left exhausted but immensely proud after India completed a record-breaking chase against West Indies in the second ODI. The India captain scored an unbeaten double century as India chased down 406 in 43.3 overs to win by eight wickets and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
West Indies had posted 405/7, their highest ODI total, but India made light work of the target. Gill and Rohit Sharma both struck hundreds, helping India produce one of the most emphatic successful chases in ODI cricket.
Gill admits 400-run target created pressure initially
Gill revealed that India did feel the pressure when they saw more than 400 runs on the board at the halfway stage. However, the team’s confidence increased considerably after getting through the early part of the chase without losing wickets. Gill said the players had set themselves a modest powerplay target before looking to accelerate later.
“Great game. At the half-time, 400 on the board, there was a bit of pressure. No matter the pitch or ground, chasing 400 is not easy. I am very proud of that performance and happy to stay unbeaten till the end. First we had a target in the power play (10 overs) that if we get to 75-80 runs without losing wickets, it was good. We knew once the ball got a little old it would be good to bat on.” Gill said.
India went beyond Gill’s target during the chase
The plan worked even better than Gill had expected as India reached the 230-240 mark around the 25th over. That put the pressure firmly back on West Indies and allowed India’s batters to attack with greater freedom during the second half of the innings.
“I thought if we were around 200-210 around the 25-mark over, we would be good but we were around 230-240. And after that the pressure was never on us, it was on them. I thought initially we didn’t bowl that well in the powerplay, similar to the first game. They batted with a lot of freedom and batted quite well. At one time it looked like they might even get 420-430, so to be able to pull the game (back) even by 20-30 runs was a bonus at the back end,” he added.
Gill also acknowledged that India had not bowled particularly well at the beginning of the West Indies innings. The hosts attacked freely and briefly appeared capable of going beyond 420, but India’s bowlers managed to pull things back towards the end.
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Gill reveals physical toll of record-breaking chase
Despite the emphatic victory, the match took a significant physical toll on Gill. He had spent a long period on the field before returning to lead India’s chase and admitted the afternoon heat made the conditions particularly demanding. With India having already secured the series, Gill also indicated that the team could give opportunities to players who have not yet made an impact.
“I think every part of my body is cramping right now. It was very hot in the afternoon. When it was 13 overs, it felt like we had fielded for 25 overs, the way they were batting. Yeah, maybe. We ideally would want to give players who haven’t had a chance a chance and we’ll see what combination suits us,” he concluded.
