India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lavished praise on Shubman Gill after the team registered a comprehensive eight-wicket win against the West Indies at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday. Kotak said he was confident that Gill would score a double century when he was on 115-120.
Gill went on to score a magnum opus knock of 223 runs off 133 balls with the help of 26 fours and eight sixes. The Indian skipper completed his second double century in ODI format off just 117 balls, which is the fastest in the format.
Gill also became the second batter to score a double hundred in ODI cricket while chasing after Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Gill’s 223 is the highest individual score in ODI format while chasing and it is also the highest individual score by the Indian captain in the 50-over format.
Sitanshu Kotak said in the post-match press conference, “One of the best I have seen in ODI cricket. You may say it was a good batting wicket. But, when they got 400, I was also thinking that maybe we play 30 overs well. Last 20 overs, we can get 160-170. That wasn’t the case. The way Shubman and Rohit [Sharma] batted and also [Virat] Kohli. At 320 after 32 overs, the game was more or less over.
“It was unbelievable the way Gill batted. It was just great to watch that batting display. When Gill was on 115-120, I felt he would get 200. That hunger from the batsman is important to play an innings like this,” the India batting coach added.
Gill added a gargantuan alliance of 255 runs with Rohit Sharma, who scored 101 runs off 75 balls.
Kotak said he felt a bit for the bowlers and there must be balance between bat and ball, which the Guwahati pitch failed to provide.
“There was not a lot for the bowlers. We wish that it is equally balanced. Like I said, maybe 300 runs wicket and other team have to fight hard to get that 300, 320 (is ideal). The outfield is quick. 20, 30, 40 runs go there. Particularly in today’s game, yes, you do feel for the bowlers.”
India was able to chase down their highest total in ODI history (406).
