Rohit Sharma Applauds Gill-Axar Stand After India’s Triumph Over England

Indian captain credits bowlers, praises match-winning partnership in Nagpur

Nagpur, February 7: India skipper Rohit Sharma lauded Shubman Gill and Axar Patel’s crucial partnership following India’s four-wicket victory over England in the first ODI at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday.

While India struggled early in their chase of 249, Gill (87) and Axar (52) stitched together a vital stand, ensuring the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

“Axar and Gill Batted Brilliantly” – Rohit

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Rohit Sharma admitted that he and Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to provide a strong start but credited the bowlers for their disciplined performance.

“Pretty happy because we knew we were coming back to this format after a long time. We wanted to regroup quickly and understand what needed to be done. Didn’t start off well with their openers putting pressure on us, but the way we came back was superb,” Rohit said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

He further emphasized the importance of having a left-handed batter in the middle order and acknowledged Axar Patel’s growth as a batter.

“[Axar at No. 5] We want a lefty in the middle, it’s simple. We know they have a couple of spinners who are going to bowl into the left-handers, and we wanted one out there. Axar has improved as a batter in the last couple of years, and we got to see that today. We needed a partnership, and Gill and Axar batted really well,” Rohit added.

Match Recap: India Clinch Four-Wicket Win

After winning the toss, England elected to bat first, posting 248 in 47.4 overs. Phil Salt (43) and Ben Duckett (32) provided an explosive 75-run opening stand, but India’s bowlers fought back.

Skipper Jos Buttler (52) and Jacob Bethell (51) helped England recover, with Jofra Archer’s late cameo (21)* pushing them close to the 250-run mark.

For India, Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) and Harshit Rana (3/53) were the standout bowlers, while Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav picked up one wicket each.

Chasing 249, India lost Jaiswal (15) and Rohit (2) early, but Shubman Gill (87 off 96 balls, 14 fours) and Shreyas Iyer (59 off 36 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes) built a crucial partnership. Axar Patel (52 off 47 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) provided the finishing touch, guiding India home with four wickets in hand.

Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid led England’s bowling attack, each picking up two wickets.

What’s Next?

India and England will face off in the second ODI on Sunday in Cuttack, with the visitors aiming to level the series.