Gill’s Edgbaston chase highlights India’s ODI batting strength

By Arjun Nair / 16.07.2026

By Arjun Nair — 16 July 2026 — 3 min read

Gill’s Crucial Knock and Injury Scare

Shubman Gill played a significant innings during the first One Day International (ODI) between India and England in Birmingham. He scored an unbeaten 80 before retiring due to cramps. His departure, followed by the quick wickets of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, created a tense situation for India. However, contributions from Washington Sundar and Axar Patel helped secure a six-wicket victory at Edgbaston.

During the chase of 259 runs, Gill and Iyer formed a crucial 101-run partnership from 103 balls. This stand was vital after India had lost Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) early, leaving the scoreboard at 48 for 2 in 8.3 overs. Gill‘s innings, which included 11 fours and a six, lasted 75 balls and 120 minutes at the crease. He adapted his play, absorbing pressure from seamers like Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue on a pitch that offered assistance to new-ball bowlers.

Despite experiencing cramps, Gill maintained his tempo, picking up singles and doubles. He demonstrated his ability to score effectively without relying solely on aggressive shots or aerial routes, utilizing the off-side field strategically. Five of his 11 boundaries came on the off side, with six on the leg side. His only six was hit off Josh Tongue over the deep backward square leg boundary. The cut shot was particularly productive, yielding 16 runs, including two boundaries.

Following the match, Gill indicated he expected to be fit for the second ODI in Cardiff. His demeanor upon leaving Birmingham and on the eve of the second ODI suggested his readiness for the series.

Brar’s Impressive Performance and Subsequent Injury

India also faced an injury concern involving fast bowler Gurnoor Brar during the first ODI. Brar had to leave the field after experiencing discomfort while attempting to bowl his final over. This occurred during his international debut in England, where he had delivered a notable spell.

Brar‘s performance was instrumental in triggering England‘s collapse. After conceding boundaries early on, he adjusted his length and took two quick wickets. He dismissed Jacob Bethell with a rising delivery and then removed Ben Duckett with a ball that climbed awkwardly. These two wickets contributed to England‘s slump from 61 without loss to 107 for 6.

The Indian physio attended to Brar on the field, focusing on his calves and hamstring. However, Brar was unable to continue, and Axar Patel completed the over. There was no immediate update from the Indian team regarding the extent of his injury. Brar finished with figures of 2 for 61 from nine overs. This incident adds to India‘s recent injury concerns, with Harshit Rana already ruled out of the tour due to a hamstring injury, and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy also unavailable.

Strategic Play and Team Outlook

Gill‘s innings at Edgbaston underscored the importance of clear thinking, adaptability, and confidence in executing a strategy during ODI chases. He assessed the pitch conditions effectively, choosing to attack only when appropriate and ensuring India remained on track to reach the target. His ability to master the art of chasing has drawn comparisons to Virat Kohli.

The team’s focus will now be on Brar‘s fitness ahead of the remaining two ODIs, given the recent history of minor injuries leading to extended layoffs for other players. England eventually recovered from 107 for 6 to post 258, largely due to a 121-run partnership between Joe Root, who scored 76, and Liam Dawson, who made 68.

India was well-positioned at 110 for 2 in 20 overs, needing 149 runs from 30 overs when Gill reached his half-century from 51 balls, his third in a row.

Gill has been in strong form in ODIs, recording five scores of 50 or more in his last six innings.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com