Rohit Sharma, on Tuesday, hit his 30th ODI century after a gap of nearly three years. While the star batter had been getting some runs now and then, he was unable to get to the three-digit mark, which may have held him back from playing freely.
In the 3rd ODI against New Zealand, Rohit and Shubman Gill stitched together an opening stand of 200 plus runs, with each completing their century. Gill, meanwhile, has been in great touch this year. Having only played 6 ODI games, he has scored over 570 runs, including a double-century.
Gill’s confidence is greatly boosted by Virat Kohli and Rohit’s presence at the other end. He now appreciates Kohli and Rohit’s influence and contribution to his young career and takes pleasure in listening to their advice.
“It’s amazing to bat with these guys. They are the ones I have grown up watching and admiring. Especially, those tours where India used to be in Australia and I used to just watch them and go ‘This is so amazing’. Going out and performing, scoring 100s after 100s. How do they do it? How do they keep performing consistently years after years,” Gill told India coach Rahul Dravid in a video uploaded by the Indian Cricket Board.
This is the mindset that great players have: Shubman Gill
Gill told Dravid about an interesting incident that occurred between him and Rohit while they were batting during the third ODI at Indore’s Holkar Stadium. He recalled how Rohit’s experience helped him predict what was about to come.
“To be out batting with him, it’s the little things that make a huge difference. Like when I and Rohit bhai were batting – I think he was on 70 or 80 – and Daryl Mitchell was bowling. He said that this looks like one of the bowlers who might get me out because his deliveries are stopping but I will still go after him. This is the mindset that great players have,” added Gill.
