IND vs ZIM: It’s a special hundred, this one is for my dad, says Shubman Gill
IND vs ZIM: The thought of missing out on the opportunity to reach the elusive hundred did cause his heart to race when he reached the 90s, but Shubman Gill was eager to make it count this time, especially after receiving some “schooling” from his father.
As India recorded 289 for eight against Zimbabwe and completed a 3-0 clean sweep of the hosts with a 13-run victory, the 22-year-old, who made his international debut in an ODI in 2019, hit 130 off 97 balls.
“My heart was beating when I got into the 90s. I had got out in the 90s thrice before and never got a hundred in International cricket. It’s always special to get a hundred,” Gill said at the presentation ceremony.
Gill was named both the man of the match and man of the series after leading the series run chart with 245 runs at an average of 122.50.
Gill, who has played in 11 Tests and 9 ODIs and is renowned for having all the classic shots in his repertoire, has frequently come under fire and criticism for failing to capitalise on his starts.
Special feeling. Going to cherish this one
pic.twitter.com/AjWPq8RZwn
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) August 22, 2022
He lost his wicket for 33 in the second ODI despite playing some exquisite strokes.
When dedicating his first ODI century to his father Lakhwinder Singh, Gill said that after getting out cheaply in the second ODI here two days prior, his father gave him a little “schooling.”
“My father has been my primary coach. I got a bit of schooling the day before yesterday when I got out on 33. So this one is for my dad.”
Gill continued by saying he would save the bat.
“The bat was pretty good and that’s why I changed it after my fifty as I wanted to save it,” he added.
Asked whether he was targetting any particular bowler, he said: “(Sikandar) Raza, (Brad) Evans were bowling well and it was crucial to target the (other) bowlers.”
“I was just trying to minimise my dot-ball percentage. I just tried to time the ball and not hit it hard,” he said about his knock.
Indian skipper Rahul was also all praise for Gill.
“I’ve not seen him over-confident and that requires composure. To show that kind of temperament despite not having played a lot of Internationals is really good. He has batted well throughout the series and did well in the West Indies and the IPL.
It’s pleasing to the eye when he bats and good to see him use his form and score runs,” he added.
It was also a comeback series for Rahul, who had sports hernia surgery after the IPL and helped the rookie Lucknow Super Giants reach the last four.
“It’s good to be back, it feels good to be in the middle. I fielded about 120 overs, got some time out in the middle with the bat. I am tired of coming back after a couple of months. But this is what we all want to do, playing for India.”
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