Guwahati, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India captain Shubman Gill admitted that severe cramps had left him hurting all over after his record-breaking unbeaten 223 powered India to a historic eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second ODI in Guwahati.
Chasing a daunting 406, Gill produced an extraordinary innings featuring 26 fours and eight sixes to take India home with 39 balls to spare. The victory gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final ODI to be played in New Chandigarh.
“I mean, I think every part of my body is cramping right now, and it was very hot in the afternoon. When we had about 13 overs, it was feeling like we had already fielded for 20-25 overs, the way they were batting. So great a game, I think,” Gill said after the match.
Gill reached his 150 from just 89 balls before completing his double-century off 117 deliveries with a single off Matthew Forde in the 39th over. In the process, he surpassed Ishan Kishan’s previous record of 126 balls for the fastest ODI double-century.
The 223 not out was also Gill’s second ODI double-century. He became the first captain to score double-centuries in both Test and ODI cricket while leading his side.
His unbeaten knock also surpassed Glenn Maxwell’s 201 not out against Afghanistan in 2023 for the highest individual score in a successful ODI run chase.
Gill said the magnitude of the 406-run target initially created pressure, but India’s approach was to break the chase into smaller phases.
“At the halfway mark, 400 on the board, there was a bit of pressure on us. No matter how good the wicket is, no matter how small the ground is, chasing 400 is never easy. So very pleased with the performance and very happy that I was able to stay till the end and finish the game for the team,” he said.
Explaining his strategy, Gill said he and Rohit Sharma focused on setting manageable targets rather than looking too far ahead.
“Honestly, it’s just about playing; I break the game into small parts. First, we had a target in the powerplay that if we get around 75-80 runs without losing any wicket, that would be a good start,” he said.
Gill said the pair expected the pitch to become easier to bat on as the ball got older and identified the shorter boundary as an area they could target against the fast bowlers.
“At about 25 overs, I thought if we were around 200-210, we’d be in a good space. But I think we were around 230-240, and I think after the powerplay, the pressure never really was on us. It was more on them,” he said.
Gill also acknowledged shortcomings in India’s bowling during the opening stages, as the West Indies amassed 405/7.
“I thought initially we didn’t bowl that well in the powerplay, much like the first game as well. We didn’t bowl well in the powerplay, and they batted with a lot of freedom,” he said.
At one stage, Gill felt the visitors could have crossed 420 or even 430, but India managed to pull things back during the final phase of the innings.
“To be able to pull the game back, even if it’s 25-30 runs, was a bonus for us at the back end of the innings,” he said.
With India having already secured the series, Gill indicated that players who have not featured so far could be given an opportunity in the final ODI.
“Maybe. I definitely want to give the players who haven’t had a chance a chance, and hopefully we’ll see what combination suits us and they’ll get some chance,” he said.
FOLLOW NOW
