Shubman Gill delighted as India salvage pride with ODI turnaround post-T20 flop: 'How we bounced back was important'

India ODI captain Shubman Gill heaped praise on the team's middle-order batters after they delivered under pressure during the chase in the first ODI match against England on Tuesday, sealing a six-wicket victory.

The Shubman Gill-led men in Blue successfully pulled off a tricky chase against England at Edgbaston. Unlike the T20 international series, which India lost 4-0, the middle order put up a standout showcase against the Harry Brook-led Three Lions to pick up a 1-0 series lead.

Gill confident as captain after India win 1st ODI match

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill emphasised that India's contributions from the middle order, adaptability to tough conditions and spirited fightback are encouraging signs, boosting his confidence as the team captain.

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“We were put under pressure, but how we bounced back was important. When you see your middle and lower middle-order score runs and finish the job, it gives confidence as a captain.

He added that the team would try different line‑ups to find the best balance and depth across batting and bowling.

“We'll try different combinations and see which gives us the best depth in both departments. The conditions were close to South Africa - the ball was kicking up, it wasn't easy to score. The wicket then settled nicely,” Gill said.

Axar regains groove, credits variation of pace

Player of the match Axar said he concentrated on a stump-to-stump line and expressed satisfaction after picking up four wickets.

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"Very happy with the way I performed today. I thought of varying my pace and bowl stump-to-stump. Did exactly that. Got lucky that I picked up four wickets.

"With Washington, it was about rotating the strike and finishing the game well. When I went in, Washy was there. The thought was building a partnership and finishing the game," Axar said.

Team India and England will now face off in the second ODI fixture on Thursday, July 16, at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

(With Agency Inputs)