India’s ODI vice-captain, Shubman Gill, reassured fans about Virat Kohli’s fitness after the senior batter missed the first ODI against England on Thursday, February 6, due to a sore right knee. Gill confirmed that Kohli’s injury is not serious and that he is expected to be available for the second ODI on Sunday.
In the series opener at Nagpur’s Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, India secured a four-wicket victory over England. After electing to bat first, England was bowled out for 248 in 47.4 overs. In response, Gill led the chase with a top score of 87 off 96 balls, guiding India to victory in 38.4 overs.
Named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, Gill batted at No. 3 in Kohli’s absence. During the post-match presentation, he provided an update on Kohli’s condition while speaking to the host broadcaster, as quoted by ‘India Today’.
“When he woke up in the morning, he had some swelling in his knee. He was fine till yesterday’s practice session. There’s nothing to worry. He will definitely be fit for the next game.”
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“Since I bat at number three in Test matches, it wasn’t a significant adjustment”- Shubman Gill
Although India lost their openers early in the chase at Nagpur, Gill minimized the difficulty of batting at the one-down position. He noted that he has played in the same role for India in Test cricket, making the transition relatively smooth.
“I think I play at number three in Test matches, so it wasn’t a huge adjustment. But, definitely, the situation is slightly different. If you are batting at number three and early wickets fall, you have to play according to the situation.”
“However, if the openers have built a good partnership, then you have to carry that momentum forward. That was my thought process — to bat according to the situation and the over in which I had to come in,” the 25-year-old added.
After securing a crucial 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Team India will face England in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday, February 9.
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