After a convincing seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in an ODI World Cup 2023 match, India opener Shubman Gill revealed that he lost few kilos when was ill from dengue.
Gill missed India’s opening two games against Australia and Afghanistan after he was tested positive for dengue before making a comeback with the World Cup debut game against Pakistan in Ahmedabad. On Thursday, he smashed a fine fifty (53) against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune
“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 in the post-match press conference.
“I think you have to be mentally willing to go out there and that’s what I was thinking when I was there. I lost a few kilos in the process but hopefully I’ll be able to gain that back,” he added.
While it was Virat Kohli who took the limelight with his unbeaten century, it was the opening pair of captain Rohit Sharma and Gill who made the match safe with an excellent opening partnership.
Hosts India have perfect start to the tournament with four win from four matches while chasing the target on all occasions and Gill says it has been a massive boost to the team.
“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. I think having won all the four matches while chasing, I think it’s a great way to have that momentum with us in those big games that we’ll have moving forward,” Gill said.
“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 to chase. Once 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, experienced opener Rohit has given India a blazing start in last three matches and his opening partner feels that skipper’s approach sums up the team’s tactics.
“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,” said Gill.
Hosts India will now face New Zealand in their next ICC World Cup 2023 match at Dharamsala in front of a full house this Sunday.
