Nagpur, Feb 4 (PTI) – India's vice-captain Shubman Gill has defended the team's performance following their 1-3 loss in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, insisting that one poor series should not define a team’s overall capability. The setback in Australia, which ended India's decade-long dominance in the prestigious series, was seen by some as a rare misstep for the otherwise formidable side.
Speaking to the press ahead of the first ODI against England, Gill emphasized the resilience and consistency that Indian players have shown over the years. "One series does not define the form of the whole team. Many of us have performed consistently in various series and tournaments," he said.
India’s defeat in the five-match Test series was a bitter pill to swallow, but Gill was quick to point out that the team had still played some commendable cricket. He mentioned that the absence of key pacer Jasprit Bumrah on the final day of the series proved costly, as the team might have won the match, potentially drawing the series.
"We were unfortunate not to have Bumrah on the last day, and if he had played, we could have won that match. That would have resulted in a draw, and then all this talk about the defeat wouldn't have happened," Gill added.
India’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy aside, Gill reminded everyone of the team’s previous successes, including back-to-back series wins in Australia and their strong performances in global tournaments like the ICC World Cup and the World Cup finals. "We’ve won in Australia twice, reached the final of the World Cup. Those are the kind of achievements that define us," he said.
Before the Australian defeat, India had also faced an unexpected whitewash in a 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home, a rare outcome in the country's cricketing history. But as Gill rightly pointed out, such blips are part of the game, and the team is eager to move past the setback and focus on the upcoming challenges.
The Indian side, which includes top players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill himself, will look to bounce back as they prepare for the three-match ODI series against England, followed by the crucial ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Speaking to the press ahead of the first ODI against England, Gill emphasized the resilience and consistency that Indian players have shown over the years. "One series does not define the form of the whole team. Many of us have performed consistently in various series and tournaments," he said.
India’s defeat in the five-match Test series was a bitter pill to swallow, but Gill was quick to point out that the team had still played some commendable cricket. He mentioned that the absence of key pacer Jasprit Bumrah on the final day of the series proved costly, as the team might have won the match, potentially drawing the series.
"We were unfortunate not to have Bumrah on the last day, and if he had played, we could have won that match. That would have resulted in a draw, and then all this talk about the defeat wouldn't have happened," Gill added.
India’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy aside, Gill reminded everyone of the team’s previous successes, including back-to-back series wins in Australia and their strong performances in global tournaments like the ICC World Cup and the World Cup finals. "We’ve won in Australia twice, reached the final of the World Cup. Those are the kind of achievements that define us," he said.
Before the Australian defeat, India had also faced an unexpected whitewash in a 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home, a rare outcome in the country's cricketing history. But as Gill rightly pointed out, such blips are part of the game, and the team is eager to move past the setback and focus on the upcoming challenges.
The Indian side, which includes top players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill himself, will look to bounce back as they prepare for the three-match ODI series against England, followed by the crucial ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai.
