Following an impressive four-wicket haul by pacer Harshit Rana in India’s victory over Australia in Sydney, Indian skipper Shubman Gill openly praised the young talent. Gill underscored the critical importance of having a capable bowling all-rounder at the number eight position, especially with an eye towards the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Shubman Gill emphasized that a bowler who can bat effectively is crucial, particularly with South Africa slated to host the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. (Image credit: Agencies)
After some inconsistent spells earlier in the series, Rana delivered a perfect display of pace, control, and wicket-taking prowess, ending with figures of 4/39 in just 8.4 overs, which proved instrumental in bowling Australia out for 236. India’s subsequent chase was comfortably guided by a commanding 168-run unbeaten second-wicket partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Gill elaborated on the significance of a versatile player at that crucial spot: “I think the number eight position for us, if a batsman can consistently contribute 20-25 runs and we have confidence in their ability to do so, it becomes a very important position. Moreover, if you consider it, there are very few fast bowlers who can consistently bowl above 140 km/h. On pitches like those in South Africa, where the 2027 World Cup will be held, such bowlers become incredibly valuable. I’ve observed that in the middle overs, there isn’t much movement off the wicket, so if you possess good height and pace, you can create opportunities. I believe that’s exactly what transpired. Australia had a strong start, but the way our spinners initially built pressure, combined with Harshit’s powerful bowling, earned him a well-deserved reward.”
Addressing his own recent batting form, Gill remained composed and confident. “I don’t think my batting needs much adjustment. Sometimes, even when you play good shots, you get out. In the first match, I was dismissed down the leg side. These things happen; occasionally, you might have a couple of such matches. While you always aspire to perform in every game, I’m not overly concerned about my personal performance,” he stated.
When asked about India’s unusual streak of losing their 17th consecutive ODI toss, Gill responded with a touch of humor: “My family is also asking me to practice something related to the toss!”
In the game itself, Australia batted first after winning the toss. An early 61-run opening partnership between captain Mitchell Marsh (41 off 50 balls, including five fours and a six) and Travis Head (29 off 25 balls, with six fours) provided a solid foundation. Matt Short contributed 30 off 41 balls, and a 59-run stand involving Matt Renshaw (56 off 58 balls) and Alex Carey (24 off 37 balls) propelled Australia to 183/3. However, a dramatic collapse ensued, leading to their dismissal for 236 in 46.4 overs. Rana’s 4/39 and Washington Sundar’s 2/44 were the standout bowling performances, ably supported by Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.
India’s chase commenced with a 69-run opening partnership from Shubman Gill (24 off 26 balls). The match was then sealed by Rohit Sharma’s magnificent 121 not out off 125 balls and Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 74 off 81 balls, forging a match-winning 168-run partnership that guided India to a nine-wicket victory. Rohit Sharma was deservingly named both ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series’ for his outstanding total of 202 runs in the series, featuring a century and a half-century.