Anil Kumble observed that Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill displayed a more assertive approach in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match against Pakistan on Sunday, in contrast to their cautious mindset during the group game.
According to Kumble, the duo was overly concerned about the ball’s movement during the group match played on September 2 in Pallekele. In the recent game at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Rohit and Gill formed a formidable partnership of 121 runs for the first wicket.
Rohit notched up 56 runs from 49 balls, while Gill contributed 58 runs from 52 deliveries. In the earlier match against Pakistan, Rohit was dismissed for 11 by Shaheen Afridi, and Gill fell to Haris Rauf for 10.
In an ESPNcricinfo discussion, Kumble drew a comparison between India’s differing batting strategies in the two encounters with Pakistan.
“Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill took the attack to the Pakistan team. That’s something that was very positive. KL Rahul also played only 20-odd balls, but batted well. These are definite positives.”
“If there is a full game on Monday, India will hope that Virat Kohli and Rahul build a good partnership and then [Jasprit] Bumrah comes and works his magic,” Kumble stated.
“In the previous match against Pakistan, the openers were thinking too much as to which ball is coming in and which is going out. This time, both openers looked to dominate and Gill started really well. He even stepped out to hit Shaheen Afridi,” he added.
Rohit achieved his half-century with six boundaries and four sixes, while Gill’s impressive innings included ten fours.
Hundred runs partnership by Gill & Rohit from just 13.2 overs.
– India on a roll….!!!! pic.twitter.com/HxkcgSi1fH
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 10, 2023
“This augurs well keeping the World Cup in mind” – Kumble’s remarks about Rohit-Gill partnership
Kumble believes that the effective partnership between Rohit and Gill bodes positively for Team India, especially in light of the upcoming ODI World Cup to be held in India.
He emphasized that the subcontinent’s pitches are expected to favor batsmen, indicating:
“This [Rohit-Gill partnership] augurs well keeping the World Cup in mind as well. The wickets in India will be good for batting and it will be important to take advantage of the first 10 overs.”
Rohit and Gill have collectively scored 966 runs while opening in 11 innings, achieving four century partnerships, an equal number of half-century stands, and their highest partnership being 212 runs.
On the upcoming Monday (reserve day) in Colombo, India will continue their innings from a score of 147/2, with Kohli and Rahul as the batsmen in the middle.
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