Shubman Gill has opened up about his match-winning knock and his thought process after guiding India to a four-wicket win over England in the ongoing three-match ODI series opener at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday (February 6).

Gill stole the spotlight with his brilliant knock of 87 runs off 96 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, during the first ODI at Nagpur. However, his dismissal sparked questions, with many wondering if India’s vice-captain was in a hurry to reach his century.

Shubman Gill steals show despite missing century in Nagpur

Facing a short delivery from Saqib Mahmood in the 37th over, the right-handed batter tried to step outside the leg stump but was cramped for room. The ball hit high on the bat and looped toward Jos Buttler at mid-on, who completed a diving catch with India needing only 14 runs to win the match at that time against England in Nagpur.

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The rest of the formalities Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja have done. After winning the Player of the Match award for his match-winning knock following the Men in Green’s victory against England, Shubman Gill made it clear that his approach wouldn’t have changed even if the hosts needed more runs to seal the game in Nagpur.

The Punjab lad has insisted that he was not focused on getting his century and emphasized that his shot selection was based on the field placements set for him at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. Despite missing out on his century, Gill was delighted to be able to help India win the game.

I wasn’t thinking about my century: Shubman Gill defends his shot selection

Shubman Gill said on Disney Hotstar, “No, I wasn’t thinking about my century. I was focused on the field placements and played my shots accordingly and I wanted to dominate the bowler, and I would have played the same shot even if I were in my 60s. It feels good when you win matches for the country.”

Furthermore, Gill also opened up about adjusting to batting at number three in Nagpur, as he previously played as an opener in the ODIs. He explained, “I play at No. 3 in Tests, so it wasn’t a big adjustment. It’s always a challenge in that position because you have to adapt to the game situation. If the team loses quick wickets, you need to play sensibly. If the team starts well, you need to carry the momentum. My approach was simple—play according to the situation.”

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Shubman Gill reveals his favorite shots

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill also revealed his favorite shots after the first ODI against England. During his stunning knock, the Indian vice-captain had unleashed a powerful pull shot off English pacer Brydon Carse after reaching 70, sending the ball racing to the boundary.

The right-handed batter said that this particular pull shot was his favorite of the day. He also revealed his love for classic strokes, saying straight drives and cover drives are two of his favorite shots. Gill signed off by saying, “The pull shot I played when I was on 70 was probably the shot of the day for me. Apart from pull, I like playing straight and cover drives, and these are my favorite strokes.”