India captain lauds Kohli's approach and ability after his 139 not out in the series opener against West Indies.
India made a winning return to ODI cricket on Sunday, September 27, as they defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series in Thiruvananthapuram. Virat Kohli stole the spotlight with a record-extending 55th ODI century, while captain Shubman Gill also scored a hundred to guide India comfortably through the chase.
Following the victory, Gill highlighted the importance of having greater batting depth in the playing XI. The Indian captain said the team wants to have an eighth batting option who can contribute useful runs while also allowing them to experiment with different combinations.
Shubman Gill explains India's focus on batting depth
Gill said India are keen to have an additional batting option who can contribute around 25-30 runs, especially considering the situations they have found themselves in during previous matches.
“Ideally yes. We would want an eighth batting option, someone who can contribute at least 25-30 runs,” Gill was quoted as saying by Outlook.
The India captain explained that the team has previously been in strong positions but failed to convert them into bigger totals, making the No. 8 position an important one in the lineup.
“We have seen many times we had been in good positions at 250 for 5, and then we weren't able to get scores that we wanted. So number eight becomes a crucial position for us. But we are open to trying different combinations and seeing what works for us,” he said.
Gill reflects on his century against West Indies
Gill led the chase from the front, scoring 110 off 108 deliveries, with 13 fours and a six. Despite playing a match-winning knock, the 26-year-old felt he could have remained unbeaten and finished the game for India.
“Honestly, when I got out, I thought I should have finished the game. Would have been nice to be there in the end. But yes, very satisfying innings for me,” he said.
Gill's century came alongside another landmark performance from Kohli, who smashed his 55th ODI hundred and also completed 15,000 runs in the format.
Gill backs Kohli to play with freedom
Gill also spoke about Kohli's approach and believes the former India captain is enjoying his cricket more at this stage of his career. According to Gill, that freedom has reflected in Kohli's batting.
“He is enjoying the game a lot more, playing with freedom and enjoying the game and those are the effects of his batting. He always had the game, he always had the ability to clear the boundary at will, and I think he's doing that right now,” Gill said.
The Indian captain added that Kohli has earned the freedom to play according to his instincts after repeatedly delivering match-winning performances for the country.
“Someone like him who's won so many matches for the country, who's done it over and over again, you just let him be, and you just want him to play however he feels like on the day, because when he plays well, he can win matches for you,” the Indian captain added.