Gill Battles Cramps After Record Double Ton in India’s Historic ODI Chase

Chasing a daunting 406, Gill produced one of the most remarkable innings in ODI history, smashing 26 fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 167.67. His effort took India over the line with 39 balls remaining and secured the three-match series with one game still to be played in New Chandigarh.

"I mean, I think every part of my body is cramping right now, and it was very hot in the afternoon. When we had about 13 overs, it was feeling like we had already fielded for 20-25 overs, the way they were batting. So great a game, I think," Gill said after the match.

Gill raced to 150 from just 89 deliveries before completing his double century from 117 balls with a single off Jayden Seales in the 39th over. The landmark made him the fastest player to score an ODI double century, surpassing Ishan Kishan's previous record of 126 balls.

The knock was Gill's second ODI double century and made him the first captain to score double hundreds in both Test and ODI cricket while leading his side.

His unbeaten 223 also surpassed Glenn Maxwell's 201 not out against Afghanistan in 2023 to become the highest individual score in a successful ODI run chase.

Gill acknowledged the pressure India faced when West Indies posted 405/7.

"At the halfway mark, 400 on the board, there was a bit of pressure on us. No matter how good the wicket is, no matter how small the ground is, chasing 400 is never easy. So very pleased with the performance and very happy that I was able to stay till the end and finish the game for the team," he said.

The India skipper explained that he and Rohit Sharma approached the enormous target by dividing the chase into smaller phases rather than focusing on the overall figure.

"Honestly, it's just about playing; I break the game into small parts. First, we had a target in the powerplay that if we get around 75-80 runs without losing any wicket, that would be a good start," Gill said.

He added that India expected the new ball to offer some movement but planned to take advantage of one of the shorter boundaries once the ball became older.

"At about 25 overs, I thought if we were around 200-210, we'd be in a good space. But I think we were around 230-240, and I think after the powerplay, the pressure never really was on us. It was more on them, and we didn't lose any wickets up until halfway through our innings, so that was a great bonus for us," he explained.

Despite India's dominant chase, Gill was critical of the team's bowling effort during the first part of the match. He felt the West Indies batters were allowed too much freedom during the powerplay before India managed to regain control towards the end.

"I thought initially we didn't bowl that well in the powerplay, much like the first game as well. We didn't bowl well in the powerplay, and they batted with a lot of freedom," Gill said.

He added that West Indies appeared capable of reaching 420 or 430 at one stage, making India's effort to restrict them to 405/7 a valuable recovery.

With India having already sealed the series, Gill indicated that the team could make changes for Saturday's final ODI and give opportunities to players who have not featured yet.

"Maybe. I definitely want to give the players who haven't had a chance a chance, and hopefully we'll see what combination suits us and they'll get some chance," he said.