Shubman Gill: Kohli Is Playing With Freedom and Can Win Games on His Own

India captain Shubman Gill says Virat Kohli is batting with new freedom and enjoyment, and that approach is paying off after his record-extending century against the West Indies.

India opened the three-match ODI series on September 27 with an eight-wicket win in Thiruvananthapuram. Gill scored 110 from 108 balls, and Kohli stayed unbeaten on 139 to see the chase through.

Kohli’s latest milestone

The hundred was Kohli’s 55th in ODIs, and it made him the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to pass 15,000 runs in the format.

Gill on Kohli’s approach

Gill said Kohli seems to be enjoying the game much more, playing freely, and that this is showing in his batting. He noted that Kohli has always had the ability to clear the boundary at will and is doing so again.

With so many wins for the country behind him, Gill said, Kohli has earned the right to play however he feels on the day. The captain’s view is that you simply let him be, because when he is in form he can win matches.

Gill on his own innings and India’s depth

Gill admitted he would have preferred to stay in until the end of the chase, but his 110 was still central to the win.

He also spoke about strengthening India’s batting depth. The team would ideally like an eighth batting option who can add 25 to 30 runs, he said, while staying open to trying different combinations.

India will look to build on this opening win as the series against the West Indies continues.