India had a superb start to their three-match ODI series against West Indies, clinching an eight-wicket win in the opening ODI on Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram. India’s victory came on the back of a blistering century from Virat Kohli. Even Gill played an influential role with the bat. Chasing a target of 296, Gill gave India a powerful start, striking 110 from 108 deliveries, blasting 13 boundaries and one six.
Although he had completed his century, Gill admitted that he had wanted to remain at the crease and take the team all the way to victory rather than losing his wicket soon after reaching his century.
"Honestly, when I got out, I thought I should have finished the game. It would have been nice to be there in the end. But it was a satisfying innings for me. He's batting superbly, and I think he's enjoying the game a lot more, playing with freedom, and those are the facts of his batting, and he always had the game; he always had the ability to clear the boundary at will, he's doing that right now,” Gill said at the post-match presentation.
Gill also lauded Virat Kohli, who scored his 55th ODI century. The innings also saw Kohli go past 15,000 ODI runs.
"Someone like him, who's won so many matches for the country, who has done it over and over again. You let him be, and you just want him to play however he feels on the day because when he plays well he can win matches for you," he said.
The Indian captain has also asserted that the team will continue to explore the idea of having eight batting options in the ODI lineup, as well as remaining open to changing combinations as per the demands of each match.
"Ideally, yes, we would want an eighth batting option: someone who can contribute at least 20-30 runs. We have seen many times we have not been in good positions. We weren't able to get the scores we wanted, but we are open to trying different combinations and seeing what works for us," Gill said.