The latest update in the ICC ODI batting rankings has brought significant changes, with Virat Kohli reclaiming his spot in the top five and Shubman Gill solidifying his position as the world’s number one ODI batter. These developments come on the heels of impressive performances by both players at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Virat Kohli’s return to form

Kohli, one of the most prolific batters in cricket history, has once again proven his mettle by scoring his 51st ODI century against Pakistan in Dubai. This unbeaten 100 not out off 111 deliveries not only helped India secure a crucial win but also propelled Kohli to the fifth spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings, overtaking New Zealand‘s Daryl Mitchell. This resurgence is particularly notable as Kohli had been facing scrutiny over his recent form, especially against spin bowling. His masterful display against Pakistan has silenced critics and reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s best batters.

Shubman Gill’s dominance continues on the top spot

The young Indian vice-captain, has further cemented his position at the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings. His match-winning 101 not out against Bangladesh and a fluent 46 against Pakistan have extended his lead over Babar Azam to 47 rating points. Gill’s rise to the top spot was facilitated by his exceptional performances in the ODI series against England, where he scored a century and two half-centuries, showcasin?g his consistency and skill.

Also READ: Shreyas Iyer sh??ares the special drill??s Virat Kohli undertook to excel against Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025

India’s strong presence in the rankings

With Kohli’s return to the top five and Gill’s continued dominance, India now boast three batters in the top five of the ICC ODI batting rankings. Rohit Sharma maintains his third position, while Kohli has moved into fifth place, alongside Heinrich Klaasen of South Africa. This strong representation underscores India’s batting depth and their potential to perform well in major tournaments.

Babar Azam’s struggles continues

The former Pakistan captain, has been facing a lean patch, which has seen him struggle to replicate his usual form. Despite being in the second spot, his recent performances have been underwhelming, including a 90-ball 64 against New Zealand and a dismissal for 23 against India. This dip in form has allowed Gill to w?iden the gap between them in the rankings.

Other notable movements

Several other players have made significant gains in the latest rankings update. Will Young of New Zealand jumped eight places to 14th after scoring a century against Pakistan, while Rachin Ravindra moved up 18 places to 24th following his ton against Bangladesh. KL Rahul also rose two sp??ots to? 15th after contributing an unbeaten 41 against Bangladesh.

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign going strong

India’s strong batting performances have been instrumental in their successful campaign at the Champions Trophy. With a semifinal berth already secured, the team will look to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stages. The upcoming match against New Zealand will be crucial for India to fine-tune their preparations before the business end of the tournament.

Also READ: IND vs PAK: Virat Kohli survives ‘obstructing the field�?d?ue to no appeal from Pa??kistani players in Champions Trophy 2025

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In the ever-evolving landscape of international cricket, identifying the next generation of superstars is crucial for teams looking to maintain their competitive edge. Recently, South African batting legend has highlighted India‘s new batting sensation as one of the most promising young talents in the sport, alongside Rishabh Pant and South Africa‘s Ryan Rickelton. This endorsement comes at a time when Gill is ?enjoying a remarkable run of form, cementing his position as the top-ranked ODI batter in the world.

Hashim Amla tips Indian batting sensation to be the next big thing

Hashim Amla, known for his elegant batting style and vast experience, has been effusive in his praise for Shubman Gill. Amla believes that Gill, along with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, forms a formidable top three for India?, making them a pot??ent force in ODI cricket.

“For India, you have got Shubham Gill; Rishabh Pant has been around for a while. For South Africa, we have Ryan Rickelton who has done really well off late. He is a brilliant player, the way he started in one-day cricket, he has been exceptional. He has been a huge part of India’s success at top of the order,” Amla said in a PTI video.

Amla’s endorsement is significant, as it reflects not just Gill’s current form but also his potential to be a long-term asset for India. The South African legend also pointed out that every five years, a few young players emerge as the next big thing in international cricket, and Gill is certainly one of them.

“Every country has about 2-3 cricketers who are going to come through and I think that’s pretty normal, that you see that every five years some youngster poke in the head through international cricket, and possibly be the next best, big thing,” he added.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Shubman Gill breaks Shikhar Dh?awan’s record to s?et a new ODI record for India

Exceptional journey of the Indian opener

Gill, born on September 8, 1999, has rapidly become a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup across all formats. His journey to international cricket began with a stellar performance in the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he was named the Player of the Tournament. Since then, Gill has consistently impressed with his technique and adaptability, making him a vital component of India’s ODI team.

Gill’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. He entered the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the world’s top-ranked ODI batter, having overtaken Pakistan‘s Babar Azam in the rankings. His century against Bangladesh in the tournament’s opener and a brisk 46 against Pakistan showcased his ability to perform under pressure. This form has been a continuation of his impressive run in the ODI series against England, where he sc??ored 112 off 102 balls, further solidifying his position at the top of the rankings.

India’s potent batting lineup

The combination of Gill and Rohit at the top, followed by Kohli at number three, presents a formidable challenge for any bowling lineup. This trio has been instrumental in India’s success in recent years, providing a solid foundation that allows the middle order to build upon. Gill’s ability to score big runs consistently has been a key factor in this setup, making him an indispensable part of India’s batting strategy.

Champions Trophy 2025 prospects: India and South Africa

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 progresses, both India and South Africa are emerging as strong contenders for the title. India, having won their initial matches, have already secured a spot in the semi-finals. South Africa, meanwhile, top Group B an??d are well-positioned to advance further with ??another win. Amla believes that both teams have a great chance of winning the tournament.

“India have obviously a very good chance, they have a fantastic team over the (last) 15-odd years, South Africa have (a) great chance (too), they have fantastic batting and bowling and whole unit looks very well balanced,” Amla concluded, highlighting the depth and balance in both squads.

Also WATCH: Shubman Gill ??hits Tanzim Hasan a massive 98?????????????????????????? meter six in IND vs BAN Champions Trophy 2025 clash

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With Rohit Sharma in the latter stages of his career, discussions about India’s next captain have intensified. Several young players are in contention to take on the leadership role, given their performances and maturity on the field. Among the top contenders are Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya, who have shown the temperament and skill required to lead the team. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make an official decision, cricket experts and former players have started weighing in on the likely ??successor.

Shikhar Dhawan predicts the next captain of India

Veteran Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has expressed confidence in Gill as the future captain of Team India. Speaking to reporters after India’s clash against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Dhawan said, “Yes, definitely he will become the captain. He is the vice-captain right now, but it is clear that someday he will become the captain of India.”

Gill’s consistent perfo??rmances and leadership qualities have impressed many, making him the frontrunner for the coveted role once Roh??it steps down. With his composed demeanor and ability to anchor the innings under pressure, Gill has already proven himself as a dependable batter for the team.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 202??5: Semifinalists of Group A confirm?ed

Fine form of the stylish opener

Gill is currently in sensational form, further strengthening his case for future captaincy. After delivering a stunning performance in the three-match ODI series against England, Gill has continued his excellent run in the Champions Trophy?? 2025.

The right-handed opener kickstarted the tournament with a magnificent century against Bangladesh, setting the tone for India’s campaign. In the high-voltage match against Pakistan, he once aga??in played a crucial role, narrowly ??missing a half-century by just four runs. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him one of the key players for India’s title aspirations.

Also WATCH: Shikhar Dhawan enters Indian dressing room to announce best fielder medal after the IND vs P??AK match at Champions Trophy 2025

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Virat Kohli once again displayed his unmatched class under pressure, steering India to a commanding victory over Pakistan in their highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The modern-day batting maestro brought up his 51st ODI cen?tury in spectacular fashion, ensuring India successfully chased down Pakistan��s 241-run target with a composed and well-pa?ced knock.

With this comprehensive win, India solidified their position at the top of Group A, while Pakistan now finds themselves in a precarious situation. A second consecutive defeat means that their semifinal hopes are hanging by a thread. Rizwan and his men must now rely on Bangladesh to defeat New Zealand on Monday, before defeating Bangladesh themselves in their final group-stage match. Even then, Pakistan’s qualificat?ion hopes will rest on net run rate calculations, making this loss even more crushing.

Virat Kohli’s Century:  A masterclass in chasing under pressure

Batting with immense com?posure and determination, Kohli crafted a sensational unbeaten 100 off 111 deliveries, anchoring India’s chase to perfection. His innings was a perfect blend of flawless shot sele?ction, impeccable timing, and tactical acceleration, ensuring Pakistan never had a chance to claw their way back into the contest.

The most poetic moment of the match arrived on the very last ball, when Kohli reached his century with a stunning boundary, sealing India’s victory? in dramatic style. His innings featured seven elegant boundaries, each a testament to his pr?ecise footwork and unwavering focus.

Kohli was ably supported by Shreyas Iyer, who registered a ?crucial 50 off 63 balls. Iyer started cautiously, absorbing pressure early on??, before shifting gears in the middle overs to keep India’s chase on track. The duo’s partnership was instrumental in guiding India to the finish line, ensuring there were no last-minute hiccups.

Also WATCH: Abrar Ahmed traps S??hubman Gill with a deceptive carrom ball; also gives a bold send-off | IND vs PAK

Fastest to 14,000 ODI runs: Kohli creates yet another record

During his sensational knock, Kohli achieved yet another historic milestone, becoming the fastest batter to score 14,000 ODI runs. He accomplished this feat in just 287 innings, shattering the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar (350 innings).

Kohli also surpassed Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (378 ????innings), reaffirming his status as one of the most dominant run-scorers in the history of ODI cricket.

The historic moment arrived when Kohli reached 15 runs during India’s chase, marking another chapter in his illustrious career. Interestingly, Kohli had ??reached 13,000 ODI runs against Pakistan as well, during the Asia Cup in Colombo in September 2023, making thi??s milestone even more special.

Pakistan’s batting struggles: Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya lead India’s bowling attack

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s batting faltered yet again, as they were bowled out for 241, despite being in a promising position at one stage. Saud Shakeel top-scored with a resilient 62 off 76 balls, while skipper Mohammad Rizwan labored to 46 off 77 deliveries. The duo stitch??ed together a 104-run partnership for the third wicket, offering Pakistan some stability after early wickets.

However, just when Pakistan looked set to accelerate, India’s bowlers struck back with precision and control. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) was the pick of the bowlers, dismantling Pakistan’s middle and lower order with his deceptive variations. All-rounder Hardik Pandya (2/31) delivered two crucial blows, dismissing both Babar Azam (23) and ??Shakeel, whi??ch shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor.

Despite Khushdil Shah’s fighting knock of 38 off 39 balls, Pakistan failed to gain any real momentum towards the death overs, ultimately setting a be??low-par total of 241, which India cha?sed down comfortably. With two wins in two games, India has virtually sealed their place in the semifinals, while Pakistan now stares at an early exit, needing a miracle to stay alive in the tournament.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Over the last 15 years, I have often rooted for Virat Kohli to get a century. Rarely has he deserved one more than today and rarely have I been as emotionally invested in watching him score it! Congrats, @imViratKohli! pic.twitter.com/Oi83RYMJmt

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 23, 2025

Match winning 💯 from Virat Kohli 👏

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 23, 2025

On a tough pitch Virat kohli does it again.. loves batting against Pakistan.. great player, great ambassador. #INDvsPAK

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 23, 2025

💯 Ce?ntu?ry Numero. 8️⃣2️⃣ for King Virat Kohli. 👑

📸: Star Sports | #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #CT2025 #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/2IB1UtKfio

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 23, 2025

What a match! Congratulations to Team India on a fantastic victory! A special commendation to @imVkohli for that brilliant century! Wishing the team all the best for the rest of the tournament. Keep the momentum going, boys! 🇮🇳 @BCCI #INDvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/1LKQzHMqFV

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) February 23, 2025

Cometh the hour cometh the King! Well played @imVkohli 👏🏻 #INDvPAK #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/yQZDWa7JzM

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 23, 2025

Century by the GOAT @imVkohli . Congratulations Indiaaaaaaa 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 🔥🔥🔥#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/c61ZBWRoD9

— Wazhma Ayoubi 🇦🇫 (@WazhmaAyoubi) February 23, 2025

No record too big for @imVkohli👑#ChampionsTrophy #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/h4kQOZPLbT

— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) February 23, 2025

What a player @imVkohli
What a win for India#ViratKohli@BCCI #INDvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/SSA8nVpr51

— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) February 23, 2025

Well Played, Team Bharat! 🇮🇳

ICC चैंपियंस ट्रॉफी के एकदिवसी�?मै�?मे�?भारत की पाकिस्ता�?पर शानदार जी�?पर हार्दि�?बधाई एव�?शुभकामनाएं!@imVkohli को शानदार शतकी�?पारी के लि�?हार्दि�?बधाई एव�?शुभकामनाएं�?युवा खिलाड़ियों का जो�? आत्मविश्वा�?और उत्कृष्ट प्रदर्शन हर भारती�?के लि�?गर्व�?pic.twitter.com/Jj6hwOVP9U

— Ravi Kishan (@ravikishann) February 23, 2025

India triumphs yet again! 🇮🇳

A thrilling six-wicket victory over Pakistan in???? the Champions Trophy 2025 brings us one step closer to the semi-finals! 🏏

Hats off to @imVkohli for his breathtaking century 💯, a true masterclass in resilience and skill. The Men in Blue continue to�?pic.twitter.com/VgeuNjmjOg

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) February 23, 2025

Also WATCH: Shaheen Afridi’s magical yorker sends Rohit?? Sharma packing in Champions Trophy 2025

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Pakistan’s mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed produced the ball of the match to dismiss India’s opening batter Shubman Gill in the 18th over of the high-stakes Group A encounter in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The delivery was so exquisite that even Virat Kohli, standing at the non-striker’s end, was visibly impressed. It was a moment of ??sheer brilliance from the unorthodox l??eg-spinner, who completely outfoxed Gill with a beautifully disguised carrom ball-esque delivery that left the Indian opener stunned.

Abrar Ahmed’s masterclass: A dream delivery to Shubman Gill

Bowling from over the wicket, Abrar Ahmed floated the ball up deceptively, giving it enough drift from outside leg stump. Gill, well-set on 46 off 52 balls, anticipated a conventional leg break and shaped up to flick it towards the leg-side. However, the ball did something extraordinary – it spun sharply off the surface, deviating more than Gill expected. Before the Indian batter could react, the ball sneaked past his bat and crashed into the top of the off-stump, completely dismantling his defense.

Gill’s reaction said it all – he was left frozen in disbelief, staring back at his shattered stumps, unable to comprehend how the ball had turned so much. The precision of Abrar’s control, subtle variations, and ability to extract maximum spin made it a dismissal straight out of a coaching manual. It was a delivery that would make any legendary spinner proud.

Here’s the video:

Shubhman gill dismissed on 46(52) by Abrar Ahmed#ChampionsTrophy #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/uPQQY8xRTE

— D Decoded Reality (@DDecodedReality) February 23, 2025

Also WATCH: Shaheen Afridi’s magical yorker sends Rohit Sharma packing in Ch??ampions Trophy 202??????????????????????????5

A fired-up Abrar gives a fiery send-off

After knocking over Gill, Abrar couldn’t contain his excitement. He celebrated with a fist pump, then pointed towards the pavilion in a confident send-off, signaling that he had done his job. The breakthrough came at a crucial time when India was steadily progressing in their chase of 242 runs. Gill and Kohli had already stitch??ed a 69-run ??partnership, keeping Pakistan under pressure, but Abrar’s moment of magic turned the tide back in Pakistan’s favor.

Shreyas Iyer on 12. Earlier, Pakistan managed 241 in 49.4 overs, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring with 62, while Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav picked up key wickets. Rohit Sharma (20) and Gill (46) provided a solid start before falling to Shaheen Afridi and Abrar, respectively. Indi??a now needs ?109 runs from 23.4 overs at a required rate of 4.60. Pakistan will rely on their bowlers to create breakthroughs, while India looks poised for a comfortable chase.

Also WATCH: Hardik Pandya gives Babar Azam a cheeky ‘bye-bye�?send-off in Champions Trophy 202?5

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has officially begun, bringing together the best teams in the world to compete for the p??restigious title. With thrilling contests lined up, cricket fans are set for an exciting tournament as teams battle for supremacy on the gl??obal stage.

India begin their campaign with a win over Bangladesh

Team India started their Champions Trophy journey on a strong note, securing a comfortable victory against Bangladesh in Dubai. Vice-captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a magnificent unbeaten century, scoring 101 off 129 balls, guiding India to a cruci???al win. His composed innings, featuring nine fours and two sixes, earned him the Player of the Match award.

Wasim Akram names the biggest star in world cricket at the moment

Lauding Gill’s talent, former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram declared him the biggest player in world cricket right now, especially in ODIs. The legendary pacer reiterated his?? belief that Gill is the next big superstar, and his performance in his first-ever Champions Trophy match only solidifies that claim.

“I have already said about Gill that he is the next big cricketer in world cricket. Look, it was his first match in the Champions Trophy, he batted brilliantly, I think he is the biggest player in world cricket at the moment. Especially he is an amazing player in ODIs,” said Akram on Ten Sports.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Rashid Latif terms an Afgha??nistan star as greater cricketer than Wasim Akram

Game awareness sets him apart

Akram praised Gill’s adaptability and understanding of match situations, highlighting how the young Indian batter adjusted his approach according to the pitch conditions. He pointed out that even though Gill took 129 balls for his unbeaten 101, his ability to pace the innings showcased his cricketing intelligence. The former Pakistan fast bowler emphasized that Gill’s composure under pressure and tactical awareness make him different from other modern-day cricketers.

“Look, he batted brilliantly considering the nature of the pitch, even though he faced 129 balls, Gill has shown how much he understands cricket. Gill batted according to the situation of the match which makes him different from other cricketers,” added Akram.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Shub??man Gill’s blazin??g ton propels India to crucial win over Bangladesh in Champions Trophy 2025

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Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era, having carried forward the legacy left behind by Sachin Tendulkar. His remarkable consistency across all formats, ability to perform under immense pressure, and aggressive leadership have set him apart as a cricketing icon. Kohli’s dominance in ODIs and T20s, along with his adaptability in Test cricket, has cemented his place among the all-time greats.

What makes Kohli’s career even more special is his ability to win matches single-handedly, particularly while chasing targets. He has played countless memorable innings that have helped India secure major victories, including ICC tournaments and bilateral series across the globe. His leadership qualities, fitness standards, and hunger for runs have influenced an entire generation of cricketers. H??owever, as Kohli moves into the latter stages?? of his career, cricketing experts have started looking for the next superstar who can take forward his legacy.

Mohammad Hafeez names the next Virat Kohli of Indian cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has joined the debate on who could be the next big superstar of Indian cricket. According to Hafeez, young batting sensation Shubman Gill is the one who is most likely to take over Ko??hli’s legacy and become the next dominant force in world cricket. Speaking on Tapmad, Hafeez laude?d Gill’s approach and mindset, drawing direct comparisons between him and Kohli. Hafeez emphasized how Gill has been trying to replicate Kohli’s approach since his entry into the Indian team.

“This batsman has been termed as the second Virat Kohli of world cricket. Shubman Gill has been trying to become the next Virat Kohli for the last three years, ever since he has come into the Indian team, Gill has been trying to carry forward Virat Kohli’s legacy. He is trying to make himself the next Virat Kohli, the way Gill is moving forward, it is understood that he wants to carry forward Kohli’s legacy. You see, Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy was carried forward by Virat Kohli, now Gill is trying to carry forward Kohli’s legacy,” Hafeez said.

Hafeez hig??hlighted the striking similarities between Gill and Kohli, particularly in how they approach high-pressure situations. He pointed ou??t that, much like Kohli in his prime, Gill adapts his batting according to match conditions and plays with a composed mindset.

“The way Kohli used to bat in his prime career, Gill is also doing the same. Gill bats according to the situation of the match in pressure matches. A glimpse of Kohli is also seen in Gill. Gill scored a century against Bangladesh but it is the slowest century of his ODI career. But I am happier that he batted in accordance with the condition of the pitch, he understood the pressure of the match and batted accordingly, Gill controlled the game,” added Hafeez.

Also WATCH: Shubman Gill hits Tanzim Hasan a mass??ive 98 meter six in IND vs BAN Champions Trophy 2025 clash

Why Hafeez’s choice is factually correct?

Hafeez’s statement is backed by solid evidence, particularly in India’s first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Bangladesh. Gill played a crucial knock, scoring an unbeaten 101 off 129 b?alls, guiding India to a comfortable victory. Despite it being the slowest century of his ODI career, Gill showcased immense patience, compos?ure, and adaptability—qualities that define a truly great player.

Much like Kohli in his early days, Gill has demonstrated an ability to read matc??h situations, control the tempo of the game, and deliver under pressure. His century against Bangladesh was a testament to his? maturity, as he played according to the conditions rather than going for flashy strokes. This trait has been one of Kohli’s strongest suits throughout his career—knowing when to accelerate and when to anchor the innings.

Another factor that aligns Gill with Kohli’s career path is his growing leadership responsibilities. Now that he has been named India’s vice-captain, Gill is showing signs of stepping into a bigger role within the team, much like Kohli did under MS Dhoni’s captaincy before taking over as the full-time leader. H?is hunger for runs, consistency, and temperament suggest that he is well on his way to becoming the next batting icon of Indian cricket.

If Gill continues on this trajectory, he has every chance of emulating Kohli’s impact and be??coming one of the greatest batters of his generation.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Shubman Gill’s ??blazing ton propels India to crucial win over Bangladesh in Champions Trophy 2025

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In a stunning display of talent and composure, Shubman Gill has set a new record for India by becoming the fastest player to score eight centuries in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Gill achieved this milestone during India’s opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Bangladesh on February 20, 2025, where he s?cored an unbeaten 101 runs, leading India to a six-wicket victory.

Shubman Gill’s record-breaking performance

Gill’s century came off 125 balls and included nine boundaries and two sixes. With this knock, he reached the eight-century mark in just 51 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Shikhar Dhawan, who achieved the feat in 57 innings. The list of player?s with the fewest innings to reach eight ODI centuries now reads:

Gill’s reflections

After receiving the Man of the Match award, Gill expressed his satisfaction with the innings, stating “Definitely one of my most satisfying innings that I have played and my first century in ICC events. Very satisfying and very happy with the way I performed.”

Also READ: Fans erupt as Shubman Gill’s blazing ton propels India to crucial win over Bangladesh in Champions Trophy 2025

Gill acknowledged the challenges posed by? the pitch and emphasized his strategy of using his feet against pacers while rotating the strike against spinners.

“When me and Rohit [Sharma] bhai went out there, we thought cutting the ball wasn’t easy because the balls which were outside the off-stump weren’t coming onto the bat that nicely. So I thought of using my feet to even the fast bowlers and tried to go over the circle. When the spinners came on, me and Virat [Kohli] bhai were talking in the middle that it’s not easy to score singles off the front foot, so we’ll try to score singles off the back foot. And it’s not easy to hit down the ground, so we just keep rotating the strike. At one point, there was a bit of pressure on us. The message was sent from outside that I have to try to bat till the end and that’s what I tried to do,” he added.

Captain’s praise

India’s captain Rohit Sharma praised Gill’s performance, highlighting his consistency and class. “Gill, we know the class that he has; it shouldn’t surprise anyone. It was good to see him bat till the end,” Rohit remarked.

Summary of the match

In a match that saw India chasing a target of 229 runs, Gill’s innings proved crucial as he anchored the chase after early wickets fell. Alongside KL Rahul, who contributed an unbeaten 41, Gill guided India to victory with 21 balls to spare. This match also marked Gill’s maiden century in ICC events and added to his impressive tally in ODIs since his debut in 2019.

Also READ: Not Shubman Gill! Anil Kumble picks India’s next? ODI captain after Rohit Sh??arma

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Former India captain Anil Kumble has issued a clarion call for tough decisions in India’s white-ball setup following the conclusion of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.

Anil Kumble calls for tough decisions and transition

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo ‘s Matchday show, Kumble emphasized that this tournament presents a critical juncture for head coach Gautam Gambhir and the entire team, as the?y must begin transitioning from legacy players to a younger, more dynamic squad ahead of the ODI World Cup 2027. According to Kumble, irrespective of how the current tournament unfolds, decisive measures are needed now to map out the future?? of India’s limited-overs cricket.

He pointed out that the tournament could very well determine which senior players remain in the setup and which new talents need to be integrated. Kumble’s remarks highlight the urgency of preparing a team that is not only competitive in the present but also built to sustain long-term success in a rapidly evolving cricket landscape, where opportunities in ODIs have dwi??ndled in favor of the T20 format.

“You could say this is a very important tournament for a coach who has to make those tough calls in terms of transitioning from the legacy players to the others. But that’s the job of the coach, to make those hard decisions. This tournament could determine where those seniors would go, and where India would look at making those changes. Win or lose, you need these tough calls to be made at the earliest. You need to start looking ahead in white-ball cricket, especially at the 2027 World Cup,” Kumble said.

Also READ: IND vs BAN: Rohit Sharma reacts to his dropped c??atch that denied Axar Patel a hat-tr?ick in Champions Trophy 2025

Future ODI captain of India after Rohit Sharma

Kumble has been vocal about the need to make hard choices when it comes to captaincy in India’s white-ball cricket, and his current stance is clear: he believed that Jasprit Bumrah is the natural and automatic choice for the ODI captaincy role over Shubman Gill, at least for the time being after Rohit Sharma. While Gill, who currently serves as vice-captain in the ongoing Champions Trophy, has already demonstrated leadership potential – having captained the T20I series in Zimbabwe in 2024 – Bumrah’s performances in Test matches, notably leading in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series in Australia and in a bilateral series against Ireland in 2023, ??showcase a temperament and tactical acumen that Kumble ?finds indispensable.

Kumble argued that the scarcity of ODI fixtures since 2023, with most focus on the T20 format where Suryakumar Yadav has been entrusted with captaincy, further underlines the need to preserve Bumrah’s value in limited-overs cricket. By positioning Bumrah as the future leader, the team can start laying down the foundation for a new era in ODI cricket – one that is built on aggressive play, resilience, and strategic planning.

“Shubman is already in the leadership group, and eventually he will get to that captaincy. Now whether it will be immediately after Rohit leaves one-day cricket, or else Bumrah will come in, which is the automatic choice both for Test match cricket and the ODI format, because you hardly play ODIs now,” the former Indian captain added.

“If you look at white-ball cricket, although the next World Cup is 2027, in between 2023 and now, we have hardly played one-day cricket. It’s mostly been T20 format, where Suryakumar Yadav is already the captain. So, when you look at ODI format, to sort of look at Bumrah, and preserve him because he is very valuable, and try to utilize him for important tournaments. So, I think Bumrah will become the natural choice, but Shubman won’t be far behind,” Kumble concluded.

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