Gill's Edgbaston chase highlights India's ODI batting depth in Sports

By Kabir Shah — 16 July 2026 — 4 min read

Shubman Gill played a significant unbeaten innings during India’s six-wicket victory against England in the first One Day International (ODI) at Edgbaston. Gill scored an unbeaten 80, contributing to a crucial partnership with Shreyas Iyer before he had to retire due to cramps. His departure, followed by quick wickets from Iyer and KL Rahul, created some tension for the Indian side, but Washington Sundar and Axar Patel ensured the team secured the win.

Gill later stated that he anticipated being fit for the second ODI at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. His composure upon leaving Birmingham and on the eve of the second ODI in Wales suggested his readiness for the series.

Gill’s Innings and Partnership

In pursuit of 259 runs, Gill and Iyer forged a vital 101-run partnership from 103 balls, significantly shifting the momentum in India’s favour. This stand became particularly important after India lost Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (5) early, leaving the score at 48 for 2 in 8.3 overs. Iyer joined Gill, and their focus was on absorbing pressure, especially with the required run rate remaining manageable.

Gill’s innings of 80 runs came off 75 balls and included 11 fours and one six. He spent 120 minutes at the crease, demonstrating a measured approach. On a pitch that offered assistance to seamers like Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue, Gill chose to bide his time. While Rohit Sharma, the other opener, was more cautious, Gill effectively paced his innings and the chase.

After starting with consecutive boundaries, Gill remained quiet for the subsequent 13 deliveries, scoring only four runs. He then dealt in singles and dots against England’s pace attack, which included Sam Curran. Later, Gill attacked spinners Adil Rashid, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks, as well as Liam Dawson.

Even after receiving treatment for cramps, Gill maintained his tempo, continuing to pick up singles and doubles. His ability to score without relying on aggressive slogging or constant aerial shots, instead using the off-side field intelligently, distinguished his performance. Five of his 11 boundaries were scored on the off side, and six on the leg side. His sole six, off Josh Tongue, went over the deep backward square leg boundary. The cut shot was his most effective stroke, yielding 16 runs, including two boundaries.

Gill reached his half-century from 51 balls, marking his third consecutive fifty. He has recorded five 50-plus scores in his last six ODI innings. His knock at Edgbaston reinforced the idea that successful ODI chases often require clear thinking, adaptability, and confidence in the process, rather than just relentless aggression. He accurately assessed the conditions, attacking when appropriate and ensuring India remained on target.

Injury Concerns for India

Meanwhile, India faced another injury scare during the first ODI when fast bowler Gurnoor Brar had to leave the field. Brar limped off while attempting to bowl his final over, having previously contributed to England’s collapse with two quick wickets. This incident occurred during the closing stages of the match at Edgbaston.

Playing his first international match in England, Brar had delivered a notable spell. However, in the 48th over, he experienced discomfort at the end of his run-up and signaled to the dressing room. The Indian physio attended to him, stretching his calves and hamstring, but Brar was unable to continue. Axar Patel completed the remainder of the over.

The extent of Brar’s injury was not immediately disclosed by the Indian team. This situation adds to the team’s concerns regarding injuries, particularly given recent issues. Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the remainder of the England tour due to a hamstring injury sustained during the T20I series, and all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also unavailable.

Brar had a memorable performance before his exit. After England reached 61 without loss, he triggered a collapse by taking two wickets in three deliveries. He first dismissed Jacob Bethell with a rising delivery and then removed Ben Duckett with a ball that climbed awkwardly, leading to a catch by Jasprit Bumrah. These two strikes saw England slump from 61 without loss to 107 for 6. Bumrah, returning after a six-week break, and Prasidh Krishna also contributed with wickets. England eventually recovered to post 258, largely due to a 121-run partnership between Joe Root (76) and Liam Dawson (68) for the seventh wicket. Brar finished with figures of 2 for 61 from nine overs.