In a stellar display of batting, India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill notched his seventh ODI century during the third and final match against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gill’s impressive innings of 112 runs played a pivotal role in guiding India to a formidable total of 356 runs.
Gill’s century at this venue is particularly noteworthy, as he becomes the first Indian batter to score a century in all three formats at a single ground. This achievement places him alongside cricketing greats like Faf du Plessis, David Warner, Babar Azam, and Quinton de Kock, who have accomplished similar feats at other venues.
Opening the innings, Gill showcased his trademark elegance and timing, effectively countering England’s bowling attack. Despite the early dismissal of captain Rohit Sharma, Gill remained composed, forming a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli, who contributed a valuable 52 runs. Their collaboration laid a solid foundation for India’s innings.
Following Kohli’s departure, Shreyas Iyer took charge, delivering a brisk 78 runs. His aggressive approach ensured that the momentum established by Gill was maintained, propelling India to a competitive total.
England’s bowlers faced a challenging day, with leg-spinner Adil Rashid emerging as a standout performer, claiming four wickets for 64 runs. His efforts, however, were insufficient to contain India’s batting onslaught.
The Narendra Modi Stadium holds special significance for Gill, as it serves as the home ground for his IPL franchise, the Gujarat Titans. His familiarity with the conditions was evident in his confident stroke play and strategic shot selection.
This century also marks Gill’s third consecutive fifty-plus score in the series, underscoring his consistent form and solidifying his position as a mainstay in India’s batting lineup. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating the scoring rate has been instrumental in India’s success in the series.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, won the toss and opted to field, a decision influenced by the chasing-friendly nature of the Ahmedabad pitch. However, India’s batsmen capitalized on the conditions, posting a daunting total that sets a high bar for England’s chase.
As the series concludes, Gill’s outstanding performance not only highlights his individual brilliance but also reflects the depth and resilience of India’s batting lineup. His contributions have been central to India’s dominance in the series, and his latest century further cements his reputation as one of the most promising talents in international cricket.
