Gill’s Grit and Iyer’s Flawless Knock Power India to Victory
Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer played crucial roles in India’s four-wicket win against England in the first ODI, stepping up when the team was in trouble at 19/2 while chasing 249. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Gill is set for a long and successful career in Indian cricket, calling him a "Lambi race ka ghoda."
However, it was Iyer’s explosive 59 off 36 balls that caught Manjrekar’s eye. His attacking stroke play and ability to counter England’s bowlers earned him a perfect 10/10 rating for quality. “This has to be Shreyas Iyer’s best innings—flawless shot selection and a wide range of strokes,” Manjrekar shared.
Gill, on the other hand, paced his innings brilliantly, scoring a composed 87 off 96 balls to guide India home. His balance between aggression and defense ensured India stayed on track after Iyer’s dismissal.
With this win, India takes a 1-0 lead in the series and will aim to seal the deal in Cuttack on Sunday.