How many wickets will Shaheen get in his first spell? Can Shubman survive first 5 overs against Naseem? Another top order collapse vs Pakistan? All these doubts were put to bed in the first 10 overs by Team India openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash in Colombo.
Both Indian openers punished Pakistan’s lethal pace trio of Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi (NHS) during their century partnership.
The duo came out with an attacking mindset and made their intentions clear in the first over when Rohit Sharma flicked Shaheen Afridi’s delivery for a stylish six.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who was at the receiving end of Shaheen-Naseem show at Pallekele, picked the left-arm pacer as his target and smashed him for flurry of boundaries. The opener had luck by his side as well as he was dropped by the pacer in the 2nd over.
The duo scored rapid fifties and stitched a brilliant 121-run partnership to provide Team India a brilliant foundation for a big score.
Gill-Rohit’s contrasting style of play
On the eve of the IND vs PAK clash, Shubman Gill ha highlighted the different batting styles between him and opening partner Rohit Sharma.
The 24-year-old revealed that while Rohit likes to take the aerial route, he prefers shots along with ground which serves as a great combination while batting together.
“I am someone who likes to play along the ground in the powerplay. Rohit takes on bowlers aerially. This combination works well for us. How different we are as players makes it difficult for bowlers to contain us,” said Gill.
The style was visible during their partnership. While Rohit hit 6 boundaries and 4 sixes during his 55-run knock, Gill didn’t hit a single six during his stay at the crease. The youngster scored a brilliant 58 before getting dismissed by Shaheen Afridi.
Also Read: Mission Shaheen! Video analysis, stance change, India prepare for Afridi menace
Gill-Rohit’s partnership also ended Team India’s opening blues against the Pakistan bowlers. Indian openers earlier struggles against the Pakistan pace attack was not a breaking news. Since World Cup 2019, Indian openers managed to put on only one 50+ partnership before today.
Indian openers against Pakistan since WC 2019
- Shubman Gill-Rohit Sharma (121) (Asia Cup 2023)
- Shubman Gill-Rohit Sharma (15) (Asia Cup 2023)
- KL Rahul-Rohit Sharma (1) (T20 World Cup 2022)
- KL Rahul-Rohit Sharma (7) (Asia Cup 2022)
- KL Rahul – Rohit Sharma (54) (Asia Cup 2022)
- KL Rahul-Rohit Sharma (1) (T20 World Cup 2021)
What former crickets said
“They have a lengthy history in international cricket. Shubman Gill is only in his second game against Pakistan. If your partner is making quick runs during such partnerships, you are not required to do the same. This is what you get with experience, and you can expect it from Shubman Gill. There may be days when Rohit Sharma makes quick runs, and Shubman Gill plays second fiddle. In my perspective, cooperation should be taken forward collectively, which means looking at who is making fast runs,” said Gautam Gambhir.
“The partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has provided a builder to KL Rahul, it is not easy when you come back and your position is being questioned if you’ll play or not. There is a difference if you come to bat on 2 wickets on 20 runs or 120 runs. So this partnership has provided a big builder to KL Rahul,” said Irfan Pathan.
Failure in the previous encounter also raised questions about Team India’s opening combination. With Ishan Kishan also in the mix, many pundits suggested a new opening pair.
However, the century partnership between Shubman and Rohit most certainly also ended the opening combination debate for the World Cup 2023.
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