‘Was looking for big score but that didn’t happen’ – Shubman Gill after missing century in series-deciding ODI against West Indies

Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

India’s young batting sensation Shubman Gill has opened up about his magnificent knock against the West Indies in the third and final ODI at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on August 1.

Gill scored a blazing 85 off 92 deliveries after a dismal performance in the first two ODI matches. Speaking of his match-winning performance, Gill said that it was a special knock for him but he was expecting to score a ton.

“Very special for me, I was looking for a big score but unfortunately that didn’t happen and I’m happy that we ended up on the winning side,” Gill said after winning the Player of the Match award.

While discussing the surface, Gill mentioned that scoring runs against the old ball became tougher as the game progressed. The 23-year-old started slowly but produced some wonderful shots to help India reach 351 runs. His 143-run opening partnership with Ishan Kishan (77 off 64 balls) set the tone for India’s innings in the final game.

“It was a good (the pitch), initially the ball was coming on nicely and as the ball got older it became tough to hit,” he added.

I just try to do my best and not think too much about who’s playing or not: Gill

The young opener also discussed his performance in the second ODI against the West Indies and his thoughts on the progression of the 50-over format in recent years. He went on to say that he always gives his 100 percent and doesn’t worry too much about who is or isn’t playing. Notably, Gill scored only 7 and 34 runs, respectively in the first two ODIs.

“In the last game, I was set and looking for a big one and tried to accelerate, you gotta keep putting the pressure on the opposition as that’s how the ODI game have evolved recently. I just try to do my best and not think too much about who’s playing or not,” he concluded.