Shubman Gill had one of the best innings in ODI history, hitting an amazing 223 to take India to an 8-wicket win in the West Indies. But the India captain admitted that the physical labor of the innings had left him with cramps and fatigue.
Gill maintained his place at the top of the order for a mammoth score of 406 in the second ODI and India was able to complete the chase with 39 balls left to spare. The knock was 26 boundaries and eight sixes at a strike rate of 167.67. India took an unassailable lead in the three-match ODI series as a whole.
Gill spoke about the physical toll of batting for a long period of time in difficult afternoon conditions after the match. He said he was experiencing cramps throughout his body after spending a lot of time in the heat.
“I think every part of my body is cramping right now and it was very hot in the afternoon,” Gill said after the match. He added that the intensity of the West Indies innings had made the conditions feel even more demanding.
Gill Breaks Multiple ODI Records
Gill’s innings was not only key for India’s victory but also set many records. He achieved his 150 in 89 balls and his double century from 117 deliveries. In the process, he broke Ishan Kishan’s record of 126 balls for the fastest ODI double century.
The 223 not out also became the highest individual score in an ODI run chase, surpassing Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan in 2023. Gill's latest double century was his second in ODI cricket, and it was a further step in cementing his position as India’s top white-ball batsman.
His victory was also significant because he was a captain. Gill, with his double century, was the first in men’s international cricket to score double centuries in both Test and ODI cricket while leading his team.
India Successfully Chases 406
West Indies had posted 405/7 after putting India under pressure with an aggressive batting display. That 406 target was a huge challenge, Gill admitted, and that chasing such a total is difficult on pitch as well as ground conditions.
“At the halfway mark, 400 on the board, there was a bit of pressure on us,” Gill said, while reflecting on India’s approach to the chase.
India, however, made the big target look a lot easier to reach. Gill formed crucial partnerships throughout the innings and kept India at a high scoring rate during the chase. His ability to combine controlled batting with attacking strokeplay helped India stay ahead of the required run rate.
The captain said the team approached the chase by breaking the target into smaller phases rather than focusing on the entire 406-run requirement at once.
Gill Reveals Chasing Strategy
Gill said that India had set smaller targets for different stages in the innings. In the powerplay, the aim was to try to make around 75-80 runs without losing a wicket. The Indian batters also identified one shorter boundary and decided to attack that when the fast bowlers came on.
Gill wanted India to be 200-210 runs by the 25-over mark. But India had gone beyond that range and that put the pressure back on the West Indies.
The presence of the experienced opener Rohit Sharma along with Gill also helped India maintain control early on in the innings. India did not lose a wicket until well into the chase and the batsmen set up a good platform for pace in the chase later on.
Gill Criticises India's Bowling Start
Gill wasn’t satisfied with India’s poor skills with the ball, however. The Indian bowlers had been ineffective in the powerplay and West Indies were able to score freely, he said.
Gill said the Caribbean side looked like they could get to the 420 or even 430-run mark at one point. India eventually fought back during the later stages of the West Indies innings to restrict them to 405/7.
Gill described the late recovery as an important bonus for India, particularly after the bowlers had struggled to create pressure early in the innings.
India May Rotate Players In Final ODI
After India had already secured the three-match series, Gill said that the team management could give opportunities to players who have not featured in the opening games.
So the final ODI would give the Indian team an opportunity to assess the strength of its bench for different combinations ahead of future assignments.
However, Gill's second ODI will remain an especially memorable one. His 223 not only scripted a historic chase but also put his name alongside some of the best individual performances in ODI cricket.
After a physically draining afternoon in the heat, the India captain's comments about cramping offered a glimpse into the enormous effort behind one of the format’s most remarkable recent run chases.
