"I got a schooling after I got out in the second ODI" - Shubman Gill dedicates maiden one-day ton to father
Shubman Gill starred with the bat in the third ODI as India registered a clean sweep over Zimbabwe on Monday, August 22. The tourists defeated the hosts by 13 runs at the Harare Sports Club to win the series 3-0.
Gill played a magnificent knock of 130 runs off just 97 balls to put the Men in Blue in the driver's seat after KL Rahul opted to bat first. He batted for 145 minutes and struck 15 boundaries and one six to register his maiden ODI hundred.
The Punjab-born batter dedicated the special feat to his father, who has been his personal coach since childhood. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, he said:
"My father has been my primary coach. I got a schooling after I got out in the second ODI, so I dedicate this to him."
Special feeling. Going to cherish this one ❤️ https://t.co/AjWPq8RZwn
He was in top form throughout his knock, piercing the gaps with perfection. Throwing light on his plans while batting, he stated:
"I was just trying to minimize my dot-ball percentage. I tried to hit the gaps as much as possible. When I went in, there were a couple of bowlers bowling good. It was crucial to get through that. Once we were settled, we knew we could attack."
The 22-year-old had a fabulous outing in the recently concluded series, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 245 runs in three games at an average of 122.50.
"The bat was pretty good" - Shubman Gill on his willow
many more to come this is just a start 🤛 #indiavszimFinally!!! Well played @ShubmanGill u seriously deserved that Ton ! Congratulations on your first 💯 many more to come this is just a start 🤛 #indiavszim
Gill replaced his bat after reaching his half-century. He jokingly said later that he did so to save it for the next game.
"The bat was pretty good. That's why I changed it after my 50, I wanted to save it."
The right-handed batter, however, has not been picked in India's Asia Cup squad, which will get underway on August 27. Rohit Sharma and Co. will begin their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on August 28 in Dubai.