New Delhi: India captain Shubman Gill revealed that he had set his sights on a double century after scoring a commanding 154 in the second ODI against Afghanistan, guiding India to a comprehensive 170-run victory and sealing the series.

Gill’s innings, crafted under challenging conditions, showcased both his technical brilliance and growing maturity as a leader. Battling intense heat and physical discomfort, the opener anchored India’s innings and set the tone for a dominant performance.

Gill sets personal milestones for consistency

Speaking after the match, Gill admitted that he was aiming for a double hundred but prioritised building long innings and finishing games.

“Yes, I was, but I knew I had to keep playing my shots and think of totals like 430, 440 or even 450,” Gill said during the post-match presentation.

He further revealed that he had set a personal goal ahead of the series to bat deep into the innings.

“I had a target for myself that I want to be there till 40–45 overs and finish matches. Whenever I get a start, I want to convert it into a big one,” he added.

Gill’s 154 off 110 balls, laced with 22 boundaries and two sixes, underlined his ability to dominate bowling attacks while maintaining composure.

Heat and cramps fail to slow Gill

The innings was particularly impressive given the extreme weather conditions, with several players struggling due to the heat. Gill himself experienced cramps and had to use an ice collar while batting.

“A little sore, I had a lot of cramps after batting for almost 40–45 overs in this heat. But it is much better now,” he said.

Despite the physical toll, Gill maintained focus and controlled the innings effectively before his dismissal.

Ishan Kishan shines with statement century

Gill found strong support from Ishan Kishan, who played a crucial role with a brilliant century. The duo’s partnership laid the foundation for India’s imposing total, putting Afghanistan under immense pressure.

Kishan’s aggressive strokeplay complemented Gill’s calculated approach, ensuring that India maintained a high scoring rate throughout the innings.

Afghanistan struggle to respond

In reply, Afghanistan failed to mount a serious challenge, with their batting line-up unable to cope with India’s disciplined bowling attack.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted that his team’s bowling performance in the first half of the match proved costly.

“Our bowling wasn’t good. We gave them too much momentum in the first 20 overs. We need to improve and come back stronger,” Shahidi said.

He acknowledged that while the conditions were tough, it was no excuse for the lack of execution.

Bowlers and debutants impress

India’s bowling unit delivered a collective performance, with Arshdeep Singh emerging as one of the standout performers, returning figures of 3/45.

Arshdeep expressed satisfaction with the contribution of young players in the team.

“It feels good to see new faces stepping up. Everyone is hungry for success and eager to perform,” he said.

He also admitted that he was unaware of being on a hat-trick during the match, a moment he later regretted not capitalising on.

Captain backs team depth

Gill also praised the effort of India’s fast bowlers, especially under demanding conditions.

“The way our fast bowlers are bowling in this heat is commendable. It is not easy to maintain consistency and pace in such conditions,” he noted.

He added that the team remains confident about its bench strength, with debutants showing promise and readiness for international cricket.

A dominant series win

The victory not only secured the series for India but also highlighted the team’s growing depth and adaptability. Gill’s leadership and batting form have been central to India’s success in the series.

With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, India appears well-equipped to handle future challenges across formats.

Conclusion

Shubman Gill’s match-winning 154 against Afghanistan reflects both his individual brilliance and his commitment to evolving as a complete batter. While missing out on a double century, his focus on building long innings and finishing matches signals a mature approach that bodes well for Indian cricket. As he continues to lead from the front, performances like these reinforce his stature as one of the team’s most dependable players.