“Truly remarkable.”
Those were the words used by Shubman Gill to depict India’s outstanding 4-1 series win in Harare. The scoreline, however, scarcely reflects the adversity faced when India stumbled in the initial match and subsequently demonstrated dominance through the remaining games. This significant turnaround was emblematic of Gill’s own resurgence, following his exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad just weeks earlier.
Set to lead a relatively inexperienced squad in Harare, Gill demonstrated exceptional tactical acumen and excelled as an opening batsman. He amassed a total of 170 runs at a strike rate of 126, signaling to the selectors that he hadn’t lost his touch. His performance in Harare has undeniably bolstered his T20 International résumé. Post the retirements of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gill has become a strong contender to partner with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top order. However, the competition for this coveted spot is intense.
One significant rival for the opening position is his Punjab teammate, Abhishek Sharma. Sharma, known for his formidable performance in the IPL, capitalized on his two opportunities to bat at the top. Highlighting his hard-hitting prowess, he scored his first international century, perfectly aligning with the aggressive style India has been adopting. Another potential contender is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who didn’t get the chance to open during the series but still managed to showcase his valuable skills.
“It’s a good thing that everyone’s performing,” Gill remarked, referring to the four opening batsmen in the squad, all of whom ranked among the top-five run-getters in the series. “It shows that everyone is hungry and nobody is ready to take it easy.
. For any country or board, that’s always a positive aspect.”
Gill commended the team members for seizing their opportunities: “Anyone who got the opportunity grabbed it with both hands—from the openers to the bowlers, allrounders, and spinners, everyone made a significant mark. I believe the selectors have now seen everything, and it’s up to them to name the squad for the next series (3 T20Is, 3 ODIs in Sri Lanka).”
Despite Gill’s strike rate being the lowest among the potential opening batsmen in the squad—Jaiswal (166), Gaikwad (158), and Abhishek (175)—he shed light on the challenges presented by the pitches. “The wickets were a little challenging for the first 5-6 overs, and the ball always behaved unpredictably in the powerplay, so we tried to avoid losing a few wickets upfront and then capitalize later,” Gill explained.
Gill’s captaincy has been a substantial positive for him as India seeks new leadership following Rohit’s retirement. “One aspect of captaincy, I feel, is about how much confidence you can instill in your players. I strive to do that, making them believe that if they try and execute the plans, the results will naturally follow,” Gill stated.
Reflecting on the pressure felt after losing the first match in the series, Gill noted, “After losing the first match, we were under a bit of pressure. Playing back-to-back games in a series designed with consecutive matches, followed by a couple of days for rest, and then again back-to-back games, isn’t easy. But I believe the way we bounced back after losing the first T20I was truly remarkable.”
Lastly, Gill reflected on the collective effort and adaptability of the squad, “I think going 1-0 down in the series and then the way we made our comeback was truly remarkable. Seeing everyone’s hunger and their swift adaptation to conditions was truly spectacular to watch.”
In summary, India’s tour in Harare was not only a testament to the team’s resilience but also a showcase of the forthcoming generation of cricketers ready to make their mark. Amidst the intense competition, Shubman Gill stands out with his leadership and batting prowess, promising a bright future for Indian cricket.