Gill’s Masterclass Powers India to Series Victory as Captain Focuses on Converting Starts into Big Scores

Lucknow, June 2026 : India captain Shubman Gill revealed that his magnificent innings of 154 against Afghanistan was the result of a deliberate effort to transform promising starts into match-winning knocks, after leading India to a comprehensive 170-run victory in the second ODI at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The commanding win gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and showcased the growing maturity of Gill as both a batter and captain. His brilliant 154 off 110 deliveries, coupled with a record-breaking 224-run partnership with Ishan Kishan, laid the foundation for India’s imposing total of 402 before the bowlers completed the job by dismissing Afghanistan for 232.

Despite producing one of the finest innings of his ODI career, Gill admitted that the innings came at a physical cost. The intense heat in Lucknow left him battling cramps throughout his stay at the crease.

“A little sore, got a lot of cramps when I went out. It was really hot and I batted for almost 40 to 45 overs, so the body was getting cramps in different areas. But it’s much better now,” Gill said after receiving the Player of the Match award.

The Indian skipper explained that his focus throughout the series had been on batting deep into the innings and building the habit of converting good starts into substantial scores.

“Honestly, I’m in a pretty good space right now. The ball is going exactly where I want it to go, and I’m feeling very confident from the first ball,” Gill said.

“Before the series, I had set a target for myself. I wanted to stay at the crease longer, finish matches and bat till the 40th or 45th over. Whenever I get a start, I want to convert it into a really big score,” he added.

Gill’s approach was evident from the way he constructed his innings. After Rohit Sharma provided an explosive start with a quickfire 48, Gill took control of proceedings and gradually accelerated. Together with Ishan Kishan, he dismantled Afghanistan’s bowling attack in a spectacular partnership that completely shifted the momentum in India’s favour.

The duo mixed calculated aggression with intelligent shot selection, keeping the scoreboard moving relentlessly. Their stand propelled India beyond the 300-run mark at a remarkable pace and ensured that Afghanistan never managed to regain control of the contest.

As Gill crossed the 150-run mark, speculation began to grow about the possibility of a double century. The captain admitted that the milestone had crossed his mind, but his primary objective remained pushing India towards the biggest total possible.

“Yes, I was thinking about it,” Gill said when asked if a double hundred was on his radar.

“But I knew I had to keep playing my shots and keep a total of 430, 440 or even 450 in mind. The team’s score was the most important thing.”

His innings eventually came to an end in unusual fashion when a reverse sweep found a fielder in the deep. Reflecting on the dismissal, Gill responded with a smile.

“I actually think I middled it too well, and that’s why it went straight to deep cover,” he joked.

Although India dominated after winning the toss and batting first, Gill rejected suggestions that conditions significantly favoured the team batting first. According to him, the pitch remained consistent throughout the match and India would have been equally confident chasing a target.

“Not really,” he said when asked whether losing the toss would have mattered.

“Even if we had bowled first, the wicket would have played pretty much the same way. If there had been a target around 310 or 320, it would have been a good chase for us and a good challenge for our batting group.”

While the spotlight naturally fell on India’s batting performance, Gill was equally impressed by the efforts of his bowlers. Afghanistan’s chase never gained momentum as India’s pace attack maintained relentless pressure despite the difficult weather conditions.

Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar and debutant Prince Yadav consistently hit disciplined lengths and prevented Afghanistan from building meaningful partnerships. Apart from Rahmat Shah’s fighting 79, the visitors struggled to find answers against India’s bowling unit.

Gill praised the commitment shown by the fast bowlers, particularly given the demanding conditions.

“I think all our fast bowlers are in a very good space,” he said.

“The way they are bowling in this heat on these wickets is not easy. To keep hitting the deck and maintain that intensity and pace throughout the innings requires a lot of effort. I’m very happy with how they performed.”

With the series already secured, India will head to Chennai for the final ODI aiming to complete a clean sweep, while Gill will look to continue the outstanding form that has made him one of the world’s most consistent and influential white-ball batters.