IND vs WI: Expected Shubman Gill To Play Explosive Knock In 1st T20I - RP Singh

Former India pacer RP Singh has said that everyone expected Shubman Gill to play an explosive knock in IND vs WI 1st T20I. However, the cricketer-turned-commentator also admitted that the Brian Lara Stadium was difficult for batting.

Shubman Gill, who slammed an 85-run knock in the previous 3rd ODI against West Indies, got out for just 3 runs in IND vs WI 1st T20I. The right-handed batsman tried to hit spinner Akeal Hosein in the 2nd over. However, he missed the ball completely and wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran stumped him.

We All Expected An Explosive Knock From Shubman Gill: RP Singh

While speaking on Jio Cinema, former Indian left-arm pacer RP Singh said that everyone expected Shubman Gill to come up with an explosive knock in the match due to his fantastic form in recent times.

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“It was definitely a difficult wicket for batting. There was a lot of help for the spinners and Hosein bowled well. Shubman Gill’s recent form has been fantastic. So we all expected an explosive knock. He got stuck slightly because of which he lost his wicket, ” RP Singh said.

“He did try to hit the ball over extra cover to score some runs but didn’t manage to do it. He picked the wrong ball but that happens. You learn from your mistakes. Keep the approach that you don’t lose, you either learn or win,” the 37-year-old fuer added.

Shubman Gill Will Come More Prepared And Hungrier: Abhishek Sharma

Former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar feels that Shubman Gill will come more prepared and hungrier in the forthcoming games of the IND vs WI T20I series. However, he also added that the Indian opener will have to take caution while playing turning balls in the powerplay.

“He will come more prepared and hungrier. Akeal Hosein is going to bowl to him in the next four matches with the new ball and he is a bowler who will not give you room. Shubman’s strength is using his feet and employing the sweep shot.

However, when the ball turns, he will have to figure out which shot to play to score runs in the powerplay. When you go to Guyana from here, there also you will get help for the spinners,” Abhishek Nayar said while speaking on Jio Cinema.

Shubman Gill played a match-winning knock of 85 runs in IND vs WI 3rd ODI. He also won the Player of the Match award in that game. Earlier, he could only score 7 and 34 in the first two opening ODIs. In 2023, he is the leading run-getter for India in international cricket and has also cemented his spot as an opener in the national team.

India Lost 1st T20I By 4 Runs

Meanwhile, India lost the 1st T20I to West Indies by 4 runs. Batting first, Nicholas Pooran (41) and Rovman Powell (48) led West Indies to 149-6 in 1st innings. On a tough batting wicket, India batters failed to play good knocks except for debutant Tilak Varma who hit 39 runs off 22 balls.

Reaching 145-9 in 20 overs, India remained short of 5 runs in the end. Hence, the home side have gained a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. India vs WI 2nd T20I takes place on August 6 (Sunday) at Providence Stadium in Guyana.