Birmingham: India captain and Player of the Match, Shubman Gill, said he would value his record-breaking twin centuries far more if they help India clinch the series, after leading his team to a thumping 336-run win over England in the second Test at Edgbaston.
"I’d say I’m feeling comfortable with my game. If we win the series with my contributions, I’ll feel happier," said Gill, who scored a monumental 269 in the first innings and backed it up with 161 in the second.
Reflecting on India’s all-round response after their loss in the first Test, Gill said the team executed their plans to perfection.
"All the things we spoke about after the first game, we were spot on. Our bowling and fielding were tremendous to see," he said during the post-match presentation.
He praised debutant Akash Deep for his standout performance with the ball. "He bowled with so much heart. The areas and lengths he hit, he was getting the ball to move both ways. On wickets like this, it's difficult to do that," Gill said.
India had gone into the Test determined to put a big total on the board. "We knew if we get 400–500 on this kind of wicket, we’ll be in the game. Not every time we’re going to drop that many catches," he said, alluding to fielding lapses in the previous match.
Reiterating his core philosophy, Gill said, "I’ve said this before – I want to play as a batsman, think as a batsman."
Looking ahead to the third Test at Lord’s, Gill sounded excited about the possible return of Jasprit Bumrah. "Definitely (Bumrah back at Lord’s?). Very excited for it. Possibly the most iconic stadium in the world. As a kid you dream of it," he added.
With the series now levelled at 1-1, India carry strong momentum into the third Test at the historic venue.
