‘When We Came, Not Everyone Had…’: Gill Explains What Helped India Bounce Back From 13-Run Loss in Series Opener – News18
India beat Zimbabwe by 42 runs in 5th T20I to clinch series 4-1 (AP Photo)
Gill said the hunger to bounce back and adaptive skills helped India pull itself up following the shocking loss in the series opener to win the remaining four matches.
Shubman Gill’s Team India on Sunday defeated Zimbabwe by 42 runs in the fifth and final T20I in Harare, clinching the series 4-1. The tourists suffered an unexpected 13-run loss in the opening game of the five-match series. However, they quickly put the disappointment on the back burner and deflated the hosts with four victories on the trot.
On Sunday, Sanju Samson’s well-crafted fifty and Mukesh Kumar’s disciplined spell helped India wind up their Zimbabwe tour with a comprehensive win. Samson’s half-century led India to a healthy 167 for six along with Shivam Dube’s flashy 26 off 12 balls. Later, the India bowlers led by Mukesh (4/22), Shivam Dube (2/25) and Washington Sundar (1/7) helped the visitors bundle out Zimbabwe for 125 in 18.3 overs.
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Speaking at the post-match presentation after the victory, Gill said the hunger to bounce back and adaptive skills helped India pull itself up following the shocking loss in the series opener to win the remaining four matches.
“I think, the hunger that we showed after losing the first match was fantastic to watch. When we came here, not everyone had a lot of hits in the nets. We weren’t really used to the conditions. The way we adapted (was great),” said Gill.
‘Player of the Series’ Washington Sundar said the pace and bounce of the pitch here took the Indian batters by surprise initially, which cost them the first match, adding that the series win had given the side a lot of confidence going into the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka.
“Good to finish with a win. I felt after the first game that the conditions were very similar to South Africa, with extra speed and extra bounce. Lots of takeaways, lots of learnings, a lot of confidence going into the Sri Lanka series,” said Sundar.
India will play a six-match away series against the Islanders from July 27, which includes three T20Is and an equal number of ODIs.
