Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar heaped praise on Shubman Gill, predicting a long and successful international career for the young batter. Manjrekar’s remarks came after Gill played a pivotal role in India’s successful chase of 249 against England in the first ODI of the three-match series in Nagpur on Thursday, February 6.
Shubman Gill, who batted at No. 3 in the absence of injured Virat Kohli, led India’s chase with a lot of composure, much like the former captain. Gill hit 87 off 96 balls as India chased down 249 in the 39th over.
Gill had willingly sacrificed his preferred No. 3 spot to accommodate Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was making his ODI debut. However, he remained calm and assured at the crease, seamlessly adapting to the situation. He played the perfect supporting role to half-centurions Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, demonstrating a keen understanding of when to accelerate and when to absorb pressure.
India ticked a lot of right boxes in the first ODI despite Rohit Sharma failing with the bat. Axar Patel made the most of his promotion, hitting a quick-fire 52, while Shreyas Iyer tore into the England bowling unit, counter-punching after India were reeling at 19 for 2.
With the ball, Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Harshit Rana shone, picking up three wickets each as England failed to last the full quota of 50 overs.
