'Rohit was surprised. I told him that's my shot…': Shubman Gill on audacious six | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘Rohit Sharma was surprised. I told him that’s my shot…': Shubman Gill on audacious last-over six off Nathan Lyon

Mar 12, 2023 07:37 AM IST

Shubman Gill's audacious six off Nathan Lyon in the last over of Day 2 in the fourth Test against Australia ‘surprised’ India captain Rohit Sharma, who was batting at the other end.

Shubman Gill danced down the track, got under the flighted delivery from Nathan Lyon and hit Australia's current leading wicket-taker straight over the back of his head for a six. Considering Ahmedabad's flat pitch and Gill's strength against off-spinners, it was a percentage shot and should not have surprised anyone. But the fact that it was the last over of the day's play, is what made it staggering. After Australia had put on a mammoth 480 in their first innings in the fourth Test, Gill and Rohit Sharma had a hard task of seeing off the remaining 10 overs of the day after spending nearly two days in Ahmedabad heat.

India's Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in action. (Reuters)
India's Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in action. (Reuters)

The Indian openers looked positive right from the onset. Both Gill and Rohit were quite severe to anything short from the Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green. It didn't take long for Steve Smith to turn to spin. Nathan Lyon got the deserved respect from the free flowing Indian batters but Gill stunned everyone by charging down the track to hit the seasoned pro over the top in the last over of Day 2.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also Read | 'You can't show your anger here...': Gavaskar expects 'tod-phod' from Pujara, Rohit inside Indian dressing room

It even took captain Rohit by surprise. "He was surprised. But I told him that's my shot. If an off-spinner is bowling on a good wicket, like the one we are playing on and the field was up to me. I thought that was my shot and I was confident that I would hit for a boundary," Gill told reporters at the end of Day 3.

Despite Rohit's dismissal for 35 in the first hour of Saturday, Gill carried on the good work and smashed a career-best 128 and Virat Kohli regained his form to fuel India's robust reply. Gill, playing his second match of the series, featured in three 50-plus partnerships to help India, who lead the series 2-1, reach 289-3 at stumps.

Kohli was batting on 59, his first test half-century in 16 innings, with Ravindra Jadeja on 16 at the other end and India still 191 behind. "Hopefully we'll bat well tomorrow and get some big score for us, and then you know anything can happen on day five," Gill told the broadcasters.

"Hopefully, the wicket will help our bowlers and if it does, we'll be trying to win this match. The pitch was pretty good to bat on... It was important for us to bat big and keep picking the singles whenever possible."

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On