“Truly remarkable.”
That was the phrase Shubman Gill used to describe India’s 4-1 series win in Harare, a scoreline that belies the manner in which India lost the first match and barely does justice to the manner in which they dominated thereafter. The turnaround witnessed in Harare also reflected Gill’s own rise, as he increasingly proved his mettle after being initially left out of the T20 World Cup squad a few weeks ago.
Picked to lead an inexperienced squad in Harare, Gill not only showcased excellent tactical acumen but also shone brightly as an opening batsman. He top-scored with 170 runs at a strike-rate of 126, making a strong statement to the selectors that he is still very much in the game. His stunning performance in Harare certainly adds significant weight to his T20I resume, especially following the retirements of luminaries like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the format. Gill appears to be a favorite to partner with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order, but the road ahead isn’t without its hurdles.
Among the challenges, his Punjab teammate Abhishek Sharma stands prominent. Abhishek, who came into the side following a powerful stint in the IPL, showcased a similar hard-hitting approach in the limited opportunities he got. His second performance culminated in an impressive hundred, marking his first in international cricket and fitting snugly into the aggressive style of play that India has been adapting to lately. Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who didn’t get a chance to open, displayed significant promise with his unique contributions.
“It’s a good thing that everyone’s performing,” Gill noted about the quartet of opening batsmen in the squad, all of whom featured 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 good thing.”
Gill further elaborated on the competitive spirit within the team, saying, “Anyone who got the opportunity grabbed it with both hands. From openers to bowlers, from all-rounders to spinners, everyone made a mark.
. I think 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 openers – Jaiswal (166), Gaikwad (158), and Abhishek (175) – the Indian captain cited difficult conditions in the initial overs as a valid reason. “The wickets were a little challenging for the first 5-6 overs and the ball always did something in the powerplay, so we tried to lose a few wickets upfront and then capitalize later,” Gill explained, highlighting the strategic play required to set a strong foundation for the team.
Beyond his batting, Gill’s leadership skills have also garnered praise, marking a crucial green tick as India looks towards a future without Rohit Sharma. “One thing about captaincy I feel is how much confidence you can show in your players. I try to do that and make them believe that if you try and execute the plans, the results will always follow,” Gill said. His approach seems to resonate well with the team, as evidenced by their dominant performance in Harare.
Reflecting on the series, Gill mentioned the pressure following their initial loss, “After losing the first match, we were under a bit of pressure. It’s not easy to play back-to-back games, especially when the series is scheduled in a way that there are two consecutive matches followed by a brief rest before another set of back-to-back games. It’s never easy playing a series like that, but I think the way we came back after losing the first T20I was truly remarkable.”
Gill emphasized the collective effort and adaptability of the team, “Seeing everyone hungry and so quickly adapting to the situation and assessing the conditions was truly spectacular to watch. I think going 1-0 down in the series and then the way we came back was truly remarkable. It speaks volumes about the team’s resilience and determination,” he concluded.
As India gears up for their next series in Sri Lanka, the impressive performances from the Harare tour surely bolster their momentum. However, the intense competition for the opening spot underscores a healthy dilemma for the selectors, promising an exciting journey ahead for Indian cricket.