Gill's Edgbaston chase highlights his role in Indi...

By Ishaan Kapoor — 16 July 2026 — 3 min read

Shubman Gill played a significant role in India’s six-wicket victory against England in the first ODI at Edgbaston. Despite experiencing cramps that forced him to retire, Gill scored an unbeaten 80, contributing to a crucial partnership that set India on the path to chasing down England’s total of 258.

The match saw India chasing 259, and after early wickets of Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5), the scoreboard read 48 for 2 in 8.3 overs. Gill then partnered with Shreyas Iyer, forming a 101-run stand off 103 balls. This partnership was instrumental in shifting the momentum back to India.

Gill’s innings, which lasted 75 balls and included 11 fours and a six, showcased his ability to manage pressure. He spent 120 minutes at the crease, initially absorbing pressure from seamers Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue on a pitch that offered assistance to new-ball bowlers. Both Gill and opening partner Rohit Sharma adopted a cautious approach early on.

Gill’s Strategic Batting and Injury Concerns

After opening with consecutive boundaries, Gill remained quiet for the next 13 deliveries, scoring only four runs. He focused on dealing in singles and dot balls against pacers like Sam Curran. Later in his innings, Gill targeted spinners Adil Rashid, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks, as well as Liam Dawson.

His strategic play included a sweep towards backward square leg and an inside-out loft over extra cover for boundaries. Even after receiving treatment for cramps, Gill’s tempo in the chase remained consistent, as he continued to pick up singles and doubles. Of his 11 boundaries, five were on the off side and six on the leg side, with his only six coming off Josh Tongue over deep backward square leg. The cut shot was particularly effective for him, yielding 16 runs.

Gill’s performance highlighted his skill in chasing, characterized by his ability to attack when necessary and rotate the strike effectively. He scored without resorting to slogging or constant aerial shots, utilizing the off-side field intelligently. His knock at Edgbaston underscored that successful ODI chases often require clear thinking, adaptability, and confidence in the process, rather than just aggressive play.

The cramps forced Gill to retire, but Washington Sundar and Axar Patel ensured India completed the chase, securing a six-wicket win. Gill expressed optimism about his fitness for the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, with his demeanor suggesting he was ready for the upcoming match.

Brar’s Impact and India’s Injury Woes

Meanwhile, India faced another injury concern during the first ODI with fast bowler Gurnoor Brar limping off the field. Brar, playing his first international match in England, had a notable spell, taking two quick wickets that contributed to England’s collapse. He experienced discomfort at the end of his run-up in the 48th over and was unable to continue, with Axar Patel completing the over.

Before his exit, Brar had finished with figures of 2 for 61 from nine overs. He initiated England’s collapse after they had reached 61 without loss. Brar adjusted his length to dismiss Jacob Bethell and then removed Ben Duckett with a delivery that climbed awkwardly. These two wickets helped turn the game in India’s favor, as England slumped from 61 without loss to 107 for 6.

Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna continued to take wickets, though England recovered through a 121-run partnership between Joe Root (76) and Liam Dawson (68), eventually posting 258. The extent of Brar’s injury was not immediately updated by the Indian team, adding to existing injury concerns within the squad. Harshit Rana is already out of the England tour with a hamstring injury, and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also unavailable. The team will be monitoring Brar’s fitness closely ahead of the remaining two ODIs.

Gill’s half-century in the first ODI was his third in a row, achieved off 51 balls. He has recorded five 50-plus scores in his last six ODI innings in 2026. India was well-placed at 110/2 in 20 overs, needing 149 from 30 overs when Gill reached his half-century.

The match was played on Tuesday, July 14.

NewsIndia

Gill’s Edgbaston chase highlights his role in India’s ODI batting future

Gill’s Strategic Batting and Injury Concerns

Brar’s Impact and India’s Injury Woes

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Ishaan Kapoor