Shubman Gill’s Masterclass: A Century That Silences Critics in Champions Trophy Opener

After a tough tour of Australia, Shubman Gill roared back to form with an unbeaten century, guiding India to a commanding win over Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy opener.

Dubai [UAE], February 21: Shubman Gill, often hailed as the “prince” of Indian cricket, reaffirmed his potential as the future pillar of Indian batting, stepping up when it mattered most. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the twilight of their careers, Gill showcased his readiness to carry forward their legacy with a match-winning century in India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh.

Facing immense scrutiny after a forgettable tour of Australia, where he managed just 93 runs in five innings at an average of 18.60, Gill needed a strong response. He found his rhythm in domestic cricket, scoring a century for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy, before regaining his form ahead of the marquee ICC event. His dominant performances in the ODI series against England, where he amassed 259 runs at an average of 86.33, laid the foundation for his redemption on the international stage.

Carrying that momentum into the Champions Trophy, Gill played a crucial role in India’s successful chase of Bangladesh’s 229-run target, crafting a composed, unbeaten 101 off 129 balls. His knock ensured India began their campaign with a comfortable six-wicket victory.

“It was definitely one of the most satisfying innings I have played, especially being my first century in an ICC event. I was very happy with the way I performed,” Gill remarked in the post-match presentation.

Opening the innings with Rohit Sharma, Gill forged a brisk 69-run partnership, balancing caution with calculated aggression. He later stitched a 43-run stand with Virat Kohli to counter Bangladesh’s spinners, showing remarkable composure and adaptability.

“When Rohit bhai and I started, we realized that the ball wasn’t coming onto the bat easily, so I tried using my feet against the pacers to get on top of the bounce,” Gill explained.

The real challenge came when India lost Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Axar Patel in quick succession. However, Gill held his nerve, anchoring the chase with remarkable maturity.

“At one stage, there was some pressure on us. The message from the dressing room was clear—I had to stay till the end. That’s exactly what I tried to do,” he added.

With his eighth ODI century, Gill not only secured India’s win but also reinforced his reputation as a match-winner. His innings included two exquisite sixes—one a short-arm jab into the deep mid-wicket stands and the other a stunning whip over fine leg—both executed with effortless grace.

Since his ODI debut in 2020, Gill has been a standout performer in run chases. In 18 successful chases, he has amassed 834 runs at an average of 64.15, including a century and six fifties. His consistency and ability to absorb pressure highlight his growing stature in world cricket.

With 360 runs in just four ODIs this year at an astonishing average of 120.00, Gill has already stamped his authority on 2024. As India gears up for a high-voltage clash against Pakistan, his form will be crucial in their quest for the Champions Trophy title.

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