Top-order batsman Shubman Gill, who led India to a four-wicket victory over England in the first match of the ODI series with a composed 87, said that he was just considering the field placements that were assigned to him at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur and was not focused on reaching his century.

“No, my century wasn’t on my mind. I played my shots with attention to the field locations. Gill told Disney+ Hotstar, “Even if I had been in my 60s, I would have played the same shot because I wanted to dominate the bowler.”

He also spoke about how he had to get used to batting at number three after playing as an opener all the time. It wasn’t a huge adjustment since I play at number three in Test matches. Because you have to adjust to the game scenario, it’s always difficult to play the position. You must play sensibly if the team loses wickets quickly. You must maintain the momentum if the squad gets off to a strong start. My strategy was straightforward: adapt to the circumstances.

“We lost two early wickets, but the plan was to play according to the field and not hold back,” Gill remarked in reference to his partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who scored 59. We were able to score more quickly after a few overs because the line and lengths became predictable.

Gill said, “It’s an individual choice, not a team strategy,” when asked about younger Indian hitters’ frequent use of the sweep and reverse sweep against spinners. Each batter has a strategy to target certain regions. To increase their hitting choices, several players are practicing sweeps and reverse sweeps in the nets.

Gill concluded by promising everyone that Virat Kohli, who was sidelined for the first ODI because of swelling in his knee, will return for Sunday’s second match in Cuttack. It’s not a big deal. He had no problems during practice yesterday, but this morning he woke up with some swelling in his knee. He will undoubtedly return for the second ODI.