Indian opener Shubman Gill was delighted after scoring a fine century in the third and final ODI against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Gill scored an impressive knock of 112 runs off just 102 balls, bringing up his seventh ODI century after Jos Buttler decided to bowl first.

Rohit Sharma was dismissed cheaply after scoring a solitary run and Gill revealed that plan was to rotate the strike as there was help for the seamers in the Powerplay overs. 

Gill added 116 runs with Virat Kohli and then stitched another crucial alliance of 104 runs with Shreyas Iyer. Thus, he played an instrumental role in India’s score of 356.

Meanwhile, Gill amassed 259 runs in three ODIs of the series at an impressive average of 86.33 and a strike rate of 103.60, and he was awarded Player of the Series.

Gill said in the post-match presentation after India’s 142-run win, “Definitely (asked if this is the best he’s batted in this format). I was feeling good. I think this was one of the better knocks in ODIs for me. The pitch was a bit tricky at the start so it’s satisfying.”

Revealing his batting plans, Gill said, “There was a bit for the fast bowlers. It was seaming, so the chat (with Virat) was to rotate strike and not lose wickets in powerplay, build on the momentum and take it from there. (On his approach while batting) You are just reacting to what is coming to you without thinking too much.”

Gill would look to carry his purple patch in the upcoming Champions Trophy and he is going to hold the key at the top of the order. India will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on February 20.