NEW DELHI: India captain Shubman Gill revealed that he had a double century in his sights after producing a scintillating 154 against Afghanistan in the second ODI on Wednesday, saying he had set himself a target before the series to bat deep and convert starts into match-defining scores.Gill overcame oppressive conditions and severe cramps to anchor India’s mammoth total of 402 before the hosts completed a crushing 170-run victory in Lucknow to seal the three-match series.Asked whether he was eyeing the 200-mark, Gill admitted he had begun thinking about it.“Yes, I was, but I knew that I’ll have to keep hitting my shots, keep 430, 440, 450 in mind,” said the Player of the Match.The India skipper added that he was currently enjoying one of the best phases of his career.“Honestly, in a pretty good space. The ball is going exactly where I want it to go and I’m feeling very confident from the first ball,” he said.
Gill and Kishan power India to 402
Gill’s 154 off 110 balls, laced with 22 boundaries and two sixes, combined with Ishan Kishan’s explosive 125 off 79 deliveries to put Afghanistan’s bowlers to the sword. The duo shared a blistering 224-run stand for the third wicket after Rohit Sharma had contributed 48.Gill revealed that he had set himself a specific objective ahead of the series.“I had a target for myself that I want to be there, finish matches and bat till 40-45 overs and build that habit. Whenever I get a start, I want to convert those into big ones,” he said.His innings eventually ended in unusual fashion.“I actually think I middled it too well,” Gill joked about the reverse sweep that found a fielder at deep cover.
Heat takes toll but India dominate
The scorching conditions in Lucknow proved challenging, with several players battling cramps. Gill himself batted with an ice collar and did not return to the field after being dismissed.“A little sore, got a lot of cramps when I went out, but it’s much better now,” he said after spending nearly 45 overs at the crease.Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted his side had been outplayed.“You can’t put all things on toss. Our bowling wasn’t good. We gave them momentum in the first 20 overs,” he said.Arshdeep Singh, who claimed 3/45, praised India’s young pace unit, saying debutant Prince Yadav and fellow rookie Gurnoor Brar were “hungry for success and take wickets for fun.”With Chennai set to host the final ODI on Saturday, Gill’s remarkable knock not only sealed the series but also highlighted his growing appetite for truly monumental scores.