Gill and Rohit Power India to Record Chase Against West Indies

Shubman Gill struck an unbeaten 223 and Rohit Sharma made 101 as India completed their biggest successful ODI chase, overhauling West Indies’ 405 for 7 to win the second ODI in Guwahati by eight wickets with 39 balls remaining. The result gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

India reached 406 for 2 in 43.3 overs after Gill and Rohit put on 255 for the opening wicket. Gill’s 223 not out came from 133 deliveries and was his second ODI double-century, while Rohit’s century arrived from 75 balls. Their opening partnership gave India the foundation to chase a target that had initially appeared formidable.

West Indies had posted 405 for 7 after scoring 96 for 1 in the powerplay. John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo each made centuries, leaving India with a target of 406. Gill said a 400-plus chase brought pressure at the halfway stage, regardless of the conditions.

India turn a demanding target into a controlled pursuit

Gill said India’s initial aim was straightforward: make a strong start without losing a wicket. India targeted 75 to 80 runs in the powerplay, aware that the new ball might offer something before the surface became better for batting as the ball aged.

Instead, India collected 92 without loss in the powerplay. Gill said the batting side also identified one short side of the outfield and intended to target it when the fast bowlers were operating. By around the 25-over mark, his benchmark was for India to be in the region of 200 to 210, though the score had moved further ahead.

“After the powerplay, the pressure never really was on us; it was more on them,” Gill said after the match. “And we didn’t lose any wickets up until halfway through our innings. So, that was a great bonus for us.”

The opening pair’s progress ensured that India stayed ahead of the required pace while preserving wickets. Rohit said the pair did not become overly focused on the scoreboard, instead continuing to bat according to the merit of the ball and building the partnership needed for a chase of this scale.

“We just wanted to continue to keep batting,” Rohit said. “We were not thinking too much about the scoreboard, to be honest. We were just trying to play according to the merit of the ball. And we kept stitching the partnership.”

Rohit also praised Gill’s control through the innings, while the 255-run stand made the target increasingly manageable. India ultimately lost only two wickets before passing West Indies’ total with more than six overs to spare.

A series-clinching win with selection questions still open

Gill acknowledged that India had not started well enough with the ball during the West Indies powerplay, comparing it to the opening ODI. With three West Indies centurions and 400 on the board, he said India faced a substantial challenge and that the visitors had batted freely.

Gill added that West Indies had at one stage looked capable of reaching 420 to 430, making India’s late effort to limit the eventual score valuable. In the chase, however, the Gill-Rohit partnership decisively altered the contest and delivered a record result for India in the ODI format.

The series now moves to New Chandigarh for the third and final ODI on October 3. Gill said India would ideally like to give opportunities to squad members who have not yet played in the series, naming Mohammad Siraj, Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The teams will then begin a five-match T20I series running from October 8 to 17.