Rohit Sharma has praised Shubman Gill for the focus he showed in scoring the fastest double century in ODI history, as India beat West Indies by eight wickets in Guwahati to go 2-0 up.
The record
Gill’s innings contained 26 fours and eight sixes. He reached his hundred in 62 balls and his 200 in 117 deliveries, beating the previous fastest, Ishan Kishan’s 126 balls. He is also only the second batter after Australia’s Glenn Maxwell to make an ODI double hundred in a chase.
Rohit made 101 off 75 balls, with 10 fours and six sixes, and the two shared an opening stand of 255 as India overhauled a target of 405.
Rohit’s verdict
Rohit said Gill had played beautifully and stayed in control from the first ball to the last, adding that a double century does not come around often and would be a memorable moment for him.
He also pointed to how long Gill had been on the field: 50 overs fielding, followed by almost 40 overs batting. Rohit said that showed the determination and concentration the team often talks about.
A hard day for the captain
Rohit had a demanding day himself. He captained and fielded through the whole West Indies innings before opening the chase, and he said the hot, humid weather made it tougher. In his view, Gill finishing unbeaten after such a long day was a major positive for India.
