Not changed my approach much in ODIs: Gill

After Ishan Kishan’s double-century against Bangladesh, there was a small element of doubt on Shubman Gill’s future. But the 24-year-old did not let that doubt creep into his batting, with a purple patch, scoring three centuries in four innings, including a double-century that knocked New Zealand cold. 

While the centuries have certainly come his way, the right-hander insisted that there hasn’t been a lot of change in his approach. At the same time, Gill reckoned that he looked to only play according to the situation and not do too much. 

“Feels nice and when you perform well. It's satisfying. I've not changed my approached much. I look to convert those starts into big ones, to express myself. I try to play according to the situation and conditions, not looking at may score. Our bowlers did a good job and bowled really well on this wicket because at one point it looked like it could go either ways,” said Gill at the post-match presentation. 

But it wasn’t Gill who was awarded the Player of the Match here in Indore. On a surface that had plenty of runs, it was Shardul Thakur’s three-wicket haul that broke New Zealand’s back during the run-chase. In the span of two overs, the right-arm pacer picked up three wickets, removing the well-set Daryl Mitchell before sending Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips packing in the span of two overs. 

“I'm well liked by them and even I like my team-mates. At some point they're going to come after your, and it's important to stay in the moment and not get ahead of yourselves. I ask myself what needs to be done and do it the next time,” Thakur talked about his approach. 

Even in the batting department, Shardul played a handy role, with a 17-ball 25, a knock that saw the all-rounder smash three boundaries and a six that ultimately took India past the 370-run mark. 

“I don't think too much because we've to be ready for all situations, whether with the bat or ball. Everyone enjoys batting and modern-day game is all about batting. Don't you think so?

On the other hand, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham wasn’t pleased with the efforts from his team throughout the tour. But the left-hander insisted that this experience will help the BlackCaps, as they aim to build a strong depth in the absence of Tim Southee and others. 

“The start with the ball wasn't great and we did well to bring them back to 380. It doesn't sound right but it is, and then to be bowled out in 40 overs didn't go right for us. It's our last experience in India before the World Cup so the guys are exposed to these conditions in the three games and hopefully it'll be helpful in October,” Latham reckoned.

“We're building depth in this group without Southee and others. Fingers crossed about my form for the World Cup. Hopefully we can take the learnings for the T20 series.”