In-form Shubman Gill key to India's chances in Champions Trophy
What's the story
Indian cricket team's vice-captain Shubman Gill put on a stellar show in the recently-concluded ODI series against England. He scored three 50-plus scores on the trot, including a hundred, as the hosts recorded a 3-0 clean sweep. As the young batter has hit great form just days before the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, expectations would be high from him.
Upcoming tournament
Gill's performance sparks optimism ahead of Champions Trophy
Gill's phenomenal performance has sparked hopes of him carrying the same form into the next Champions Trophy. The vice-captain, who snatched the opening spot from Yashasvi Jaiswal, finished the series as the highest run-scorer with 259 runs. This includes his scores of 87 and 60 in the first two wins against England. He further made a breathtaking 112 in his final assignment before the mega tournament.
Milestone achievement
Gill's 7th ODI ton in his 50th match
Gill scored his seventh ODI century in his 50th match, a major milestone in his cricketing career. Notably, he also became the first batter to score tons across all three international formats in Ahmedabad, home to the world's largest cricket stadium. Faf du Plessis (Wanderers, Johannesburg), David Warner (Adelaide Oval), Babar Azam (National Stadium, Karachi), and Quinton de Kock (Supersport Park, Centurion) are the others with this feat.
Coach's perspective
Coach Gambhir expresses confidence in Gill's potential
India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, had expressed his confidence in Gill's potential during a press conference. "He is still 25, so imagine what can happen in the next couple of years if we keep backing him and keep putting trust in these young cricketers," Gambhir had said. He also noted that Gill seemed to flourish with the additional responsibility as deputy to captain Rohit Sharma.
Tournament outlook
India's Champions Trophy campaign
Meanwhile, India will open their Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai against Bangladesh on February 20. This will be Gill's maiden Champions Trophy campaign and he would be raring to shine in Dubai. Notably, the youngster managed 354 runs at 44.25 in his only apperance in an ICC event so far, the 2023 World Cup. India finished as runners-up in the tourney.
Stats
Fastest to 2,500 ODI runs
The Indian batter has now raced to 2,587 runs after his brilliant ton, across 50 ODIs. Meanwhile, he also boasts an average of 60.16, including a strike rate of 101.93. The opener recently smashed his seventh ODI ton and also owns 15 fifties. Notably, Gill also completed his 2,500th ODI run en route to his recent hundred. He is now the fastest batter to this mark, having reached here in 50 innings.