Shubman Gill says Rohit Sharma made opener's job easy in record chase
Gill credited Rohit's acceleration for allowing him to play freely after the powerplay.
India captain Shubman Gill said having Rohit Sharma at the other end made his job easier during the record 255-run opening stand in the second ODI against West Indies. Gill remained unbeaten on 223 as India chased 406 to win by eight wickets in Guwahati.
Gill said the plan was to reach 70 or 80 without loss by the end of the powerplay. He added that once Rohit accelerated after the powerplay, he had to catch up and then began targeting his preferred zones. Rohit scored 101 off 75 balls in his 35th ODI century.
West Indies coach Daren Sammy said conditions have favoured batting throughout the series. He urged his bowlers to be more disciplined and consistent on flat pitches. The third ODI is scheduled for Mullanpur on Saturday.
CricHubb Take
Gill's comments reveal that India's batting order may now rely on Sharma's post-powerplay acceleration as a deliberate tactic rather than an ad-hoc response to flat pitches.