It is easy to be indifferent to the build-up of excitement during a bilateral series with an ICC tournament happening every year. For men, 2025 is just around the corner and the Champions Trophy is about to commence in Pakistan/UAE. For India, the runners-up in the last ODI World Cup, the three match series versus England is their last chance to try the waters ahead of the main event of the tournament.
After the 2023 World Cup, India has only played six ODIs in two series. It’s been a while since they last played, as they won the South Africa series 2-1 in December 2023 and then lost 0-2 in Sri Lanka in August the previous year. The team is due to take the field on Thursday, a day where it would be around 6 months since India last indulged in the format. Shubman Gill, the vice captain is relishing the opportunity has great confidence for the squad’s capability to adjust after a long break. The 25-year old opted not to view the England series as a practice run.
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“I think we are up against a good side. We have three ODIs and we are not treating this as a friendly ahead of the Champions Trophy,” commented Gill during the Pre-match conference. I believe this one is an important series to us, as every series for us is important, and we do look forward to controlling and winning this series as we do any other series.”
The series against England also brings in a new shift on leadership transitions in India. With Rohit Sharma’s international tenure nearing its close, there has to be a discussion around who his successor will be across all formats. In such a scenario, the appointment of Gill as the vice-captain of the full-strength Indian side does give an indication of the selectors’ mindset, regardless of the fact that he has been awful in the Tests and T20Is but great in ODIs.
The opener has aggregated 2328 runs from 47 innings at an enviable average of 58.2 at a commendable strike-rate of 101.2. With the added responsibility of being part of the leadership group, all eyes are on how Gill deals with the extra pressure. When asked about the same, he opted to keep things simple. However, he also knows that this could be a potential stepping stone to proper leadership and hence, he’d want to be ready if and when the chance comes.
“Indeed, I view that additional responsibility as a challenge to lead, firstly with my performance and then, of course, in the field if Rohit Bhai requires my input or anything at all. I think it is my obligation to inform him how I see the game.”
“For me, as a vice captain, it’s a massive responsibility. It’s also a great pleasure, I would try to learn how GG bhai and how Rohit bhai as part of the plans for certain batsmen, certain bowlers, how to face a certain team. For me, just knowing that is a great aim and I will try to accomplish it.”
With only three matches left before the Champions Trophy, there are rumors that the pitches for the England series may be designed to replicate those anticipated for the ICC Tournament. While Pakistan are the official hosts, the new system allows for India’s matches to be played in the UAE. The venue is familiar for the team, but it often proves essential for any team looking to achieve greatness.
Gill, however, was rather choosy with what he chose to disclose in relation to the England ODI surfaces and ruled out any speculation concerning India asking for such surfaces. “I think the wicket dries up very quickly here. So I think their effort was to put some grass and water first, so that the pitch retains water well. So that the wicket doesn’t dry up too much when it’s hot and humid. So I think that is why they put some grass. No, we haven’t given any instruction (about the choice of pitches).” Gill did elaborate on how tracks are prepared in England from a professional’s view. However, his comments brought fresh scrutiny on the grass strip which still needs looking into. Laserbook provided the latest update regarding to sports
The Indian cricket team currently has an unprecedented case of competition for places. Gill himself hasn’t been picked for the shortest format and that underscored the available talent. He may have to face stiff competition from fellow performers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, but the Punjab batter dismissed any suggestions of unhealthy rivalry within the camp. Read More about this click here