Former Indian batter Manoj Tiwary praised Shubman Gill’s maturity after India registered a seven-wicket win against Afghanistan at Dharamshala on Saturday. Tiwary recalled that Gill used to get out while trying to play the glory shots in the past.
Chasing 195 runs in a shortened match of 25 overs/innings, Gill scored a match-winning knock of 84 runs off 66 balls with the help of 11 fours and two sixes. Thus, he was awarded the Player of the Match.
The Indian skipper got off to a sedate start, scoring at a run-a-ball for the first 29 deliveries however, he was able to change gears afterwards.
Gill continued his rich form as he recently scored a fine hundred in the one-off Test match against the Afghans. Furthermore, he amassed 732 runs in 16 matches in IPL 2026 while leading Gujarat Titans.
“The way Gill built his innings is praiseworthy, and after Rohit got out, it was his responsibility to take the team forward, remain not out, and win the game from there. Also, the way the cameos came from Iyer, Kishan, and KL Rahul, they did not let the pressure get to Gill at all,” Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.
“Earlier, what used to happen is that, when he got close to the target, he used to get out while playing glory shots. But now, he is playing unbeaten knocks, remaining not out, so from this, it becomes clear that bowlers cannot get his wicket easily. They will only get a wicket if he makes a mistake. He is named Prince for a reason, because his innings was royal,” he added.
Tiwary highlighted that the responsibility is observed in Gill’s batting since he has taken over as GT’s captain in the IPL.
“The roadmap, the blueprint, that the coaches and the team management have laid out, it has started, and it was a good start, a good win. Ever since he has been GT’s captain, the responsibility has reflected in the IPL, and we got to see the same today. He remained unbeaten and took the team over the line. This shows that he knows the art of captaincy,” Manoj Tiwary concluded.
The second ODI between India and Afghanistan will be played at Lucknow on Wednesday.
