The start to Shubman Gill’s first 50-over World Cup journey wasn’t enterprising.
Gill, 24, was down with dengue before India’s first match against Australia in Chennai and there were doubts over his availability for the big-ticket clash against Pakistan on October 19.
The opener, however, showed immense resilience and mental strength to be fit for the match in Ahmedabad and has improved since. But it has come with the peril of losing significant weight in the process.
“When I was a little sick, I was feeling a bit disappointed on missing out on those opportunities, but definitely felt nice to get some game time,” Gill said after his first half-century in the World Cup against Bangladesh on Thursday.
“You have to be mentally willing to go out there and that’s what I was thinking when I was there... Lost a few kilos in the process, but hopefully, I’ll be able to gain that back.”
Good start helps
The manner in which openers Rohit Sharma and Gill have been providing an explosive start to the innings has played a huge role in India making it four out of four while chasing targets.
“Definitely, I think this is one of the things which was talked about, especially leading up to the World Cup, that we were not chasing that well, those big totals,” Gill said. “I think having won all the four matches while chasing, it’s a great way to have that momentum with us in those big games that we’ll have moving forward.
“I think when we bat first, we know which template to go with and we have made big scores regularly. When we chase big scores, especially in big tournaments, it is important... you gain confidence with the batsmen, it helps a lot in big matches.
“The coach and the captain have a bigger role to play. We have to chase the opponent. We’ll see how the wicket is and how the conditions will be for batting.”
Rohit’s approach sums up the team’s tactics and makes it easier for the batters to follow to carry the momentum. “The approach while chasing... Rohit has been batting exceptionally well and he’s been all guns blazing, especially while chasing. And I think that’s giving us the right momentum. Then it’s easier for the batsmen who are coming in when the run rate is around four or five in chasing.”
This showed on Thursday against Bangladesh when the quick loss of Rohit and Gill’s wickets never had any impact on the chase.
Watch the greats
Seeing Rohit and Kohli go about their job has made it easier for the youngsters, admitted Gill.
“To see them how they go about their business in the World Cup and in big games is what I always try to learn from them. There’s a fine line between sometimes being too aggressive or going in the shell, especially when playing big games.
“But I think the way they play, the way their mindset is playing those big games in the World Cup, that is what I try to learn from them.”
KL Rahul too felt Kohli being among the runs has been a huge bonus.
“Virat, the less you say the better about it. He has been notching up those numbers for years now and that is what he did again. There was an opportunity at the end, (and) he finished the game for us,” Rahul said.
“Getting a hundred is always very special, I am really happy for him. Ro (Rohit) has got a hundred now, Virat has got a hundred (too). Hopefully, as the World Cup goes (on), a few more of us can get these hundreds and keep winning the matches.”
He also thanked Jasprit Bumrah and felt lucky to have the bowling wizard in their ranks.
“(He is) super special, really lucky that we have him on our team and lucky that we don’t have to break our bats with his yorkers,” Rahul said.
“We have faced him a little bit in the IPL. He is a top-quality bowler, really happy that he is back, he is fit. He spent a lot of time at the NCA in recovery and getting stronger,” he added.
