New Delhi: India captain Shubman Gill admitted his side’s middle order let the team down after a dramatic batting collapse handed England a four wicket victory in the second ODI, allowing the hosts to level the three match series at 1-1. India appeared on course for a commanding total after reaching 178 for 3, with the top order laying a solid foundation.
However, the innings unravelled quickly as the visitors lost four wickets in just 26 deliveries, slipping to 193 for 7 before finishing with a below par total.
Gill said India had expected to post around 300 to 310 runs based on their position after 25 overs but failed to build on the strong start. He pointed out that the lower middle order missed the opportunity to convert promising starts into significant contributions, leaving the tail with too much responsibility.
“Our tailenders are not the best batsmen, but we expected more from the lower middle order,” Gill said, stressing that the batting collapse proved to be the turning point of the contest.
England chased down the 234 run target in 44.1 overs, thanks largely to an unbeaten 99 from Joe Root. Gill praised the experienced batter for controlling the chase, saying Root’s ability to pace innings in moderate run chases made him extremely difficult to dismiss.
The Indian skipper also highlighted Washington Sundar’s injury as an unfortunate setback during England’s innings. Gill said losing an important all rounder reduced India’s bowling options and affected the team’s momentum, although he believed the conditions continued to favour the fast bowlers.
Despite relying heavily on the frontline pacers, India could not stop Root from guiding England home with four wickets to spare.
The series is now evenly poised at 1-1, with the decider set to be played at Lord’s on Sunday, where both teams will battle for the ODI series victory.