Shubman Gill Shines as India Secures Victory Against Afghanistan in ODI

In a thrilling first ODI against Afghanistan, Shubman Gill's outstanding performance led India to a seven-wicket victory. Despite a strong century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, India bounced back impressively, with Gill scoring an unbeaten 84 runs. The match, affected by rain, saw debutants Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar play crucial roles in restricting Afghanistan's total. Gill praised his teammates' efforts and emphasized the importance of strategy in ODIs. Discover how India managed to turn the game around and secure a vital win in this exciting encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 01:52 IST

India's Impressive Comeback in ODI Series

In Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, on June 13, Shubman Gill commended Team India's remarkable recovery during the first ODI of their three-match series against Afghanistan, where they clinched a decisive seven-wicket win. This victory came despite a stellar century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the initial innings.

Gill played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 84 runs off 66 balls, which included eight boundaries and two sixes, leading India to a comfortable win in a match affected by rain. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match title.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, Afghanistan's opener Gurbaz propelled his team from a precarious 26/3 to a more stable 142/4, ultimately finishing their innings at 194 all out in 24.5 overs, as the match was shortened to 25 overs per side due to rain.

The Indian bowling attack was spearheaded by debutants Harsh Dubey and Gurnoor Brar, who were instrumental in the team's comeback. Dubey took crucial wickets of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Allah Ghazanfar, while Brar dismissed Ibrahim Zadran early and later took down Rashid Khan and Zia Ur Rahman, helping to restrict Afghanistan's total.

Post-match, Gill reflected on India's early struggles, acknowledging Gurbaz's exceptional innings that initially put India on the back foot. However, he praised the team's resilience in bouncing back.

Gill highlighted the contributions of Brar and Dubey, noting Gurnoor's effectiveness with the new ball and his performance at the end of the innings, as well as Dubey's strong recovery after a challenging first over. He emphasized the significance of controlling the middle overs in ODIs, maintaining pressure while bowling, and effectively rotating the strike while batting, which are crucial elements discussed in team strategies.

"The way we started, they pulled the game away from us. Gurbaz was brilliant and took the game away from us, but we fought back well. It was a brilliant wicket for batting. When we were bowling, there was a bit of grip, but it came on nicely when we batted," Gill remarked during the post-match presentation.

"Gurnoor, the way he bowled with the new ball and then came back at the death. Harsh as well, the way he came back after conceding 16 runs in his 1st over. In ODIs, middle overs are crucial; in bowling, you need to keep creating opportunities and maintain pressure. In batting, it’s about finding the gaps and rotating the strike. That’s exactly what we discuss in the team meetings as well," he added.

Gill also addressed a mix-up that led to Rohit Sharma's run-out in the sixth over, mentioning that Rohit reassured him by saying, "it’s fine" after reviewing the replays.

Chasing a target of 195, India was anchored by Gill's unbeaten 84, while Ishan Kishan contributed 34 runs and KL Rahul scored a quickfire 39 off just 19 balls. Gill and Rahul formed an unbroken partnership of 53 runs, successfully guiding India to victory in 22.5 overs.