Shubman Gill, Indian opener praised Team India’s throw-down specialists, stating that the hard work they put in behind the scenes gives players the confidence to perform at the top level. Shubman Gill notched up his second ODI century in the third game of the three-match series against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday (15th January, 2023).
The 23-year-old batter and ex-India skipper Virat Kohli (166*) added 131 for the second wicket as Team India posted a massive 390/5, batting first. Pacer Mohammed Siraj then claimed a four-wicket haul as the hosts bundled out Sri Lanka for 73 in 22 overs.
Shubman Gill: The Three Indian Throw-Down Specialists Puts In A Lot Of Hard Work And Combined Would Have Around 1200-1500 Wickets Easily
In a post-match interaction featuring Team India’s two centurions from Thiruvananthapuram, Virat Kohli introduced the side’s three throw-down specialists to the audience – Raghu, Nuwan, and Daya.
Hailing the trio, Shubman Gill quipped on bcci.tv: “These three guys combined would have around 1200-1500 wickets easily.”
On a serious note, he added, “They put in a lot of hard work and help us prepare in any condition that we want to play in or any sort of specific condition that we want to practice before going in a match. These are the people that give us the confidence that we can perform at this level.”
Shubman Gill struck 116 off 97 balls against the Sri Lankans on Sunday in the third ODI, smashing 14 fours and two sixes. It was his 2nd ODI ton after his 130 against Zimbabwe in August 2022.
Virat Kohli: The 3 Throw-Down Specialists Gives World-Class Practice Every Day, Challenging In The Nets Like Pacers
Sharing his thoughts on Team India’s throw-down specialists, ex-Indian skipper Virat Kohli paid tribute to the unsung heroes of the team, giving them a lot of credit for his success.
The 34-year-old commented: “All three, in my honest opinion, have given us world class practice every day. They challenge us in the nets like any 145-150 pace bowler would do in a game. They are always trying to get us out and make sure that they test us regularly. At times, it feels very intense, but for me that has been the difference in my career.”
“From where I was as a cricketer before I started getting this kind of practice to where I am today, a lot of credit has to go to how these guys have given us practice regularly. Their contribution has been unbelievable. You guys should remember their names and faces, because behind our success, a lot of effort is put in by these guys.”
Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match in Thiruvananthapuram for his terrific hundred. He was also named Player of the Series for scoring 283 runs in three matches at an average of 141.50 and a strike rate of 137.38.
Defending 390, India bowled the visitors out for 73 to complete a 3-0 series whitewash. Centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill powered India to 390 on a slow and seemingly lifeless track before the ball started hooping around under lights.
Pacer Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the Indian bowlers as he took four wickets, and Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav supported him with two each as India bowled Sri Lanka out for 73. India’s victory margin was comfortably the biggest in ODI history.
India 390 for 5 (Kohli 166*, Gill 116, Rajitha 2-81, Kumara 2-87) beat Sri Lanka 73 (Siraj 4-32, Kuldeep 2-16) by 317 runs