Shubman Gill leaves behind Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar (X/@deshinewsfactor)
On February 20, 2025, Shubman Gill made a stunning debut in the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium by scoring his eighth ODI century. His unbeaten knock of 101 runs off 129 balls helped India chase down a target of 229 runs against Bangladesh. Despite being the fourth-slowest century by an Indian in the last 15 years and the slowest since the 2019 World Cup, Gill's innings was crucial for India’s success in the tournament.
Gill's century not only marked his first in an ICC tournament but also made him the quickest Indian batter to reach eight ODI tons in just 51 innings. He surpassed notable players like Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli in this achievement. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri praised Gill's innings as "invaluable," highlighting its importance given the challenging circumstances during the match.
Despite a shaky start that saw Bangladesh reduced to 35 for five, Towhid Hridoy emerged as a beacon of hope for the team with his maiden hundred. He formed a record sixth-wicket partnership of 154 runs with Jaker Ali, helping Bangladesh post a respectable total of 228 runs. Hridoy's efforts were commendable but ultimately fell short as India's bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul, proved too strong.
India's chase began with promise as Rohit Sharma and Gill built a solid opening partnership. However, after Rohit’s dismissal for 41 runs, the innings faced pressure with quick wickets falling. Gill remained calm under pressure and steadied the ship alongside KL Rahul. Their partnership ensured that India crossed the finish line with six wickets to spare.
With this victory against Bangladesh, India has made a strong start in the ICC Champions Trophy. Shubman Gill’s performance not only showcased his talent but also set the tone for what could be an exciting tournament ahead. As India prepares for its next challenge against Pakistan, fans are hopeful that Gill will continue his impressive form and lead the team to further success.
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