Team India clinched the series against England with a commanding four-wicket win in the second ODI. A vintage Rohit Sharma century and stunning fielding by vice-captain Shubman Gill’s led the charge.
Gill’s Outfield Brilliance: A Catch for the Ages
Shubman Gill electrified the field with three crucial catches. His most spectacular effort came when he dismissed Harry Brook. Sprinting backward, Gill dived full stretch to grab a mistimed shot off Harshit Rana’s delivery. This breathtaking catch broke a vital 66-run stand between Brook and Joe Root.
Gill’s excellence continued as he sent England skipper Jos Buttler and all-rounder Jamie Overton back to the pavilion. Fans quickly showered him with praise online:
- “Vice-captain leading by example—this is what top-class fielding looks like!”
- “Haters, watch this!”
With his long-haired look and growing leadership skills, Gill shines as India’s ODI vice-captain ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Rohit Sharma Unleashed: A Century of Pure Class
Chasing 305, Rohit Sharma delivered a batting masterclass. He smashed 119 off just 90 balls, featuring 12 fours and seven sixes. His strokeplay revived memories of his finest performances.
Opening the innings, Rohit wasted no time. He flicked and carved the England pacers for early boundaries. Gill complemented him with sharp jabs and flicks, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Their 136-run opening stand set the tone, with Rohit reaching his fifty in just 30 balls.
After a 35-minute floodlight failure, Rohit resumed in style. He glanced, swept, and lofted boundaries with ease. He reached his 32nd ODI ton by stepping down the track and dispatching Adil Rashid over mid-off for six.
Gill, after scoring his 15th ODI half-century, fell to a perfect yorker from Jamie Overton. Soon after, Virat Kohli edged Rashid and departed following a review.
Middle-Order Stumble and Axar’s Finishing Touch
Shreyas Iyer kept the chase steady but got run out for 44 after a mix-up. KL Rahul (10) and Hardik Pandya (14) fell in quick succession, causing a brief wobble. However, Axar Patel’s composed 41* and Ravindra Jadeja’s clinical finish secured victory with 33 balls to spare.
Series Secured, Momentum Gained
With this win, India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. This victory also boosts their confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, India has now won 9 of their last 11 white-ball matches, solidifying their status as tournament favorites.
With Rohit back in form and Gill excelling as a leader, India looks ready to chase ICC glory once again.
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