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Shubman Gill- India pre-match press conference, 22 Feb '2025 before the high voltage clash against Pakistan:
On Vice-Captaincy and Performance:
* Reporter: "Shubman, your ODI form has been excellent, and it seems the vice-captaincy has further improved your batting. Has the added responsibility brought out the best in you?"
* Shubman Gill: "Honestly, I don't think the vice-captaincy has changed anything. When I'm batting, I focus solely on playing as a batsman, because that's what brings out my best performance. I play the same way regardless of whether I'm vice-captain or not."
On the India-Pakistan Match Mindset:
* Reporter: "With so much attention on the India-Pakistan match, what's the team's mindset going into it?"
* Shubman Gill: "It doesn't change anything for us. We aim to win every match, and this one is no different. We prepare for it just like any other game."
On the Wicket Conditions:
* Reporter: "You batted the most here recently. Can you describe the wicket? Does the lack of dew make it harder to bat as the innings progresses?"
* Shubman Gill: "In the last match, there wasn't much dew. Without dew on slow wickets, it's definitely harder to bat and rotate the strike. In any match here, the team that rotates the strike well in the middle overs will have a better chance of winning."
On the Team's Approach and Wicket Assessment:
* Reporter: "Rohit has emphasized continuing the aggressive approach from the World Cup. Given the slow wicket, what's the ideal batting approach?"
* Shubman Gill: "The ideal approach is to first assess the conditions. We were lucky to field first last time, which gave us an idea of how the wicket was playing. As batsmen, we need to adapt to the situation. We want to play aggressively, but the score will vary depending on the wicket. A good score here might be 280 or 300, while on a different wicket, it could be 350 or 360. We don't set a fixed target. We assess the wicket and aim for 15-20 runs above what we think is a par score."
On His Recent Innings and Satisfaction:
* Reporter: "You have eight ODI centuries, including a double. How satisfying was your recent innings, given the Champions Trophy's importance and the tricky situation?"
* Shubman Gill: "It was definitely one of my most satisfying innings. In the Champions Trophy, the margin for error is small. We faced some pressure in the middle overs, but it was crucial to save wickets. Because the target wasn't high, we focused on rotating the strike and avoiding risks. When you form a 40-50 run partnership, it puts pressure on the bowling team, which leads to scoring opportunities."
On Scoring Centuries Against Pakistan:
* Reporter: "You've scored centuries against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Do you feel extra motivation to score a century against Pakistan, especially after not scoring much in previous matches?"
* Shubman Gill: "I want to score a century in every match. If I get a good start, I'll try to bat long. Any set batsman will try to do that."
On His Partnership with Rohit Sharma:
* Reporter: "You and Rohit have had many good partnerships. What makes your partnership work, and how does his aggressive batting impact you?"
* Shubman Gill: "We have different styles. Rohit likes aerial shots, while I prefer playing along the ground. We score boundaries in different ways, which makes it hard for bowlers to target us. It's a pleasure to watch him bat from the non-striker's end."
On Handling Pressure in the Champions Trophy:
* Reporter: "The Champions Trophy format is different. How important is handling pressure in this tournament?"
* Shubman Gill: "The team that handles pressure well has a higher chance of winning. In 50-over cricket, we sometimes feel rushed, but it's important to make balanced decisions and check the scoreboard before taking risks. As batsmen, we need to maintain a tempo."
On the Toss and Safe Score:
* Reporter: "How important is the toss in the match against Pakistan, and what's a safe target?"
* Shubman Gill: "I don't think the toss will be a major factor if there's no dew. Without dew, the team batting second will face more pressure. The team that handles pressure better will win."
On Bouncing Back from the Australia Tour:
* Reporter: "After the Australia tour, how did you bounce back, and what areas did you work on?"
* Shubman Gill: "In Australia, I don't think there was a technical flaw. Sometimes, it's a mental aspect. I focused on the upcoming white-ball cricket and practiced my usual routines."
On Facing Pakistani Pacers:
* Reporter: "Pakistani pacers have a good record here. Is there a particular bowler you're focusing on?"
* Shubman Gill: "Every bowler can have a good day. If someone is bowling well, we'll play them cautiously. We'll assess them during the match."
On Rohit Sharma's Aggressive Starts:
* Reporter: "When Rohit gets aggressive starts, how does it affect your approach?"
* Shubman Gill: "It doesn't affect me. Rohit has his own style, and it helps me get into my own rhythm. It's a pleasure to bat with him."
On Jasprit Bumrah's Absence:
* Reporter: "How much will Jasprit Bumrah's absence affect the team?"
* Shubman Gill: "It's a setback to lose a key player, but we have to choose the best available options. Harshit is doing a good job in his place."
On Rishabh Pant and Off-Field Conversations:
* Reporter: "Rishabh Pant wasn't in the team huddle. Is everything alright? And what off-field conversations are you having with players?"
* Shubman Gill: "Rishabh has a viral infection. I focus on keeping players who aren't in the playing eleven in a good mindset and ready for their chance."
On the India-Pakistan Hype:
* Reporter: "Some experts say the India-Pakistan match is overhyped. Do you agree?"
* Shubman Gill: "I don't believe in over- or under-hype. It's an exciting contest with a long history. If people enjoy watching it, that's what matters. We're there to play cricket and win for our country."
On His Improved Performance Since Becoming Vice-Captain:
* Reporter: "Your performance has improved since becoming vice-captain. What's the secret?"
* Shubman Gill: "I focus on talking to the bowlers during fielding, ensuring they're thinking correctly. Rohit has given me the responsibility to communicate with them and ensure we stick to our game plans."
On the Match Against Pakistan:
* Reporter: "Tomorrow is a big match against Pakistan. How do you rate it, and how will you handle the pitch conditions?"
* Shubman Gill: "It's a big match, but the final is the biggest. We respect Pakistan as a strong team, despite their recent losses. We need to bring our best game."
On Vice-Captaincy and Performance:
* Reporter: "Shubman, your ODI form has been excellent, and it seems the vice-captaincy has further improved your batting. Has the added responsibility brought out the best in you?"
* Shubman Gill: "Honestly, I don't think the vice-captaincy has changed anything. When I'm batting, I focus solely on playing as a batsman, because that's what brings out my best performance. I play the same way regardless of whether I'm vice-captain or not."
On the India-Pakistan Match Mindset:
* Reporter: "With so much attention on the India-Pakistan match, what's the team's mindset going into it?"
* Shubman Gill: "It doesn't change anything for us. We aim to win every match, and this one is no different. We prepare for it just like any other game."
On the Wicket Conditions:
* Reporter: "You batted the most here recently. Can you describe the wicket? Does the lack of dew make it harder to bat as the innings progresses?"
* Shubman Gill: "In the last match, there wasn't much dew. Without dew on slow wickets, it's definitely harder to bat and rotate the strike. In any match here, the team that rotates the strike well in the middle overs will have a better chance of winning."
On the Team's Approach and Wicket Assessment:
* Reporter: "Rohit has emphasized continuing the aggressive approach from the World Cup. Given the slow wicket, what's the ideal batting approach?"
* Shubman Gill: "The ideal approach is to first assess the conditions. We were lucky to field first last time, which gave us an idea of how the wicket was playing. As batsmen, we need to adapt to the situation. We want to play aggressively, but the score will vary depending on the wicket. A good score here might be 280 or 300, while on a different wicket, it could be 350 or 360. We don't set a fixed target. We assess the wicket and aim for 15-20 runs above what we think is a par score."
On His Recent Innings and Satisfaction:
* Reporter: "You have eight ODI centuries, including a double. How satisfying was your recent innings, given the Champions Trophy's importance and the tricky situation?"
* Shubman Gill: "It was definitely one of my most satisfying innings. In the Champions Trophy, the margin for error is small. We faced some pressure in the middle overs, but it was crucial to save wickets. Because the target wasn't high, we focused on rotating the strike and avoiding risks. When you form a 40-50 run partnership, it puts pressure on the bowling team, which leads to scoring opportunities."
On Scoring Centuries Against Pakistan:
* Reporter: "You've scored centuries against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Do you feel extra motivation to score a century against Pakistan, especially after not scoring much in previous matches?"
* Shubman Gill: "I want to score a century in every match. If I get a good start, I'll try to bat long. Any set batsman will try to do that."
On His Partnership with Rohit Sharma:
* Reporter: "You and Rohit have had many good partnerships. What makes your partnership work, and how does his aggressive batting impact you?"
* Shubman Gill: "We have different styles. Rohit likes aerial shots, while I prefer playing along the ground. We score boundaries in different ways, which makes it hard for bowlers to target us. It's a pleasure to watch him bat from the non-striker's end."
On Handling Pressure in the Champions Trophy:
* Reporter: "The Champions Trophy format is different. How important is handling pressure in this tournament?"
* Shubman Gill: "The team that handles pressure well has a higher chance of winning. In 50-over cricket, we sometimes feel rushed, but it's important to make balanced decisions and check the scoreboard before taking risks. As batsmen, we need to maintain a tempo."
On the Toss and Safe Score:
* Reporter: "How important is the toss in the match against Pakistan, and what's a safe target?"
* Shubman Gill: "I don't think the toss will be a major factor if there's no dew. Without dew, the team batting second will face more pressure. The team that handles pressure better will win."
On Bouncing Back from the Australia Tour:
* Reporter: "After the Australia tour, how did you bounce back, and what areas did you work on?"
* Shubman Gill: "In Australia, I don't think there was a technical flaw. Sometimes, it's a mental aspect. I focused on the upcoming white-ball cricket and practiced my usual routines."
On Facing Pakistani Pacers:
* Reporter: "Pakistani pacers have a good record here. Is there a particular bowler you're focusing on?"
* Shubman Gill: "Every bowler can have a good day. If someone is bowling well, we'll play them cautiously. We'll assess them during the match."
On Rohit Sharma's Aggressive Starts:
* Reporter: "When Rohit gets aggressive starts, how does it affect your approach?"
* Shubman Gill: "It doesn't affect me. Rohit has his own style, and it helps me get into my own rhythm. It's a pleasure to bat with him."
On Jasprit Bumrah's Absence:
* Reporter: "How much will Jasprit Bumrah's absence affect the team?"
* Shubman Gill: "It's a setback to lose a key player, but we have to choose the best available options. Harshit is doing a good job in his place."
On Rishabh Pant and Off-Field Conversations:
* Reporter: "Rishabh Pant wasn't in the team huddle. Is everything alright? And what off-field conversations are you having with players?"
* Shubman Gill: "Rishabh has a viral infection. I focus on keeping players who aren't in the playing eleven in a good mindset and ready for their chance."
On the India-Pakistan Hype:
* Reporter: "Some experts say the India-Pakistan match is overhyped. Do you agree?"
* Shubman Gill: "I don't believe in over- or under-hype. It's an exciting contest with a long history. If people enjoy watching it, that's what matters. We're there to play cricket and win for our country."
On His Improved Performance Since Becoming Vice-Captain:
* Reporter: "Your performance has improved since becoming vice-captain. What's the secret?"
* Shubman Gill: "I focus on talking to the bowlers during fielding, ensuring they're thinking correctly. Rohit has given me the responsibility to communicate with them and ensure we stick to our game plans."
On the Match Against Pakistan:
* Reporter: "Tomorrow is a big match against Pakistan. How do you rate it, and how will you handle the pitch conditions?"
* Shubman Gill: "It's a big match, but the final is the biggest. We respect Pakistan as a strong team, despite their recent losses. We need to bring our best game."
