Shubman Gill defended India’s recent Test form, saying one series doesn’t define the team’s overall performance, and pointed out that they could have drawn the series against Australia if Jasprit Bumrah had played the final day.
Shubman Gill defended India’s performance on their recent tour of Australia, where they suffered a 1-3 Test series loss. He believes one series should not define the team, pointing out that India’s past successes in tournaments and series show a more consistent record.
Key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Gill faced criticism for their poor performances in the series. Gill acknowledged the team’s underperformance but suggested that the series could have ended in a 2-2 draw if Jasprit Bumrah had not missed the final day due to back spasms. He noted that the team’s overall achievements, including past World Cup wins and finals appearances, should be considered when evaluating their current form.
“Definitely, we did not play as per our expectations in the Australian series, but still we played some good cricket. We were unfortunate not to have (Jasprit) Bumrah on the last day and we would have won the match and the series would have been a draw and this talk wouldn’t have happened,” Gill said.
“One match and one day doesn’t define us, we won there twice before and earlier won a World Cup and then reached the final of a World Cup, so we should keep all those things in mind,” he added.
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India’s recent Test performances have seen a historic home series whitewash against New Zealand, followed by a defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team now prepares for a three-match ODI series against England starting Thursday, with the series offering an important opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Shubman Gill as his deputy. In the Champions Trophy, India is placed in Group B alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. The team will begin their campaign on February 20, aiming to improve their record and gear up for the global tournament.
India’s updated squad for ODI series against England
Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Last Updated on February 4, 2025
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