'Showed determination and concentration' - Rohit Sharma praises Shubman Gill's record-breaking double century

Shubman Gill produced a record-breaking performance in the second ODI between India and West Indies in Guwahati on October 1. Gill scored 223 not out off 133 balls, striking 26 fours and eight sixes as India chased down West Indies' total of 405 with 39 balls to spare. India won by eight wickets, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Gill's innings contained multiple milestones. He reached his fastest ODI century in 62 balls, then went on to complete the fastest ODI double century in 117 balls, breaking Ishan Kishan's previous record of 126 balls. Gill became only the second player to score an ODI double century during a successful chase, after Glenn Maxwell. Rohit Sharma contributed 101 off 75 balls with 10 fours and six sixes, combining with Gill in a 255-run opening partnership, the second-best by an Indian opening pair in ODI history.

Rohit Sharma praised Gill's performance immediately after the match, highlighting the concentration required to maintain such a high strike rate across 133 balls. The India captain recognised the significance of the achievement in the context of a successful chase of a 400-plus total.

"It feels good, man. You don't score 200 every day, so... It is a very memorable moment for him because he played beautifully, as we all saw. Very much in control from ball number one till the end of it," Rohit said in a video shared by the BCCI.

"What was pleasing to see was fielding for 50 overs and then batting for almost 40-odd overs. It is not easy, but that shows determination and concentration, which we always talk about. So, it is a very confidence thing within the team. As I said, it doesn't happen every time, these kind of performances, we will take a lot from this," he added.

Gill's record-breaking double century

Rohit reflected on the demanding nature of the match and the conditions faced in Guwahati. The India captain had fielded for the entire West Indies innings before opening the batting himself, a dual responsibility that tested both physical endurance and mental focus. He acknowledged the challenge of maintaining concentration across such a long day.

"It was hot, it was humid. When conditions are challenging, not the pitch, you know, I would take a lot of confidence from this. It is not an easy thing. You know, more than getting a 100, I think it was very, very pleasing for me to be out there, fighting for the team, doing the job," Rohit said.

"And I am sure it will be the same for him (Gill) as well, because fielding for 50 overs, captaining for 50 overs... The captain goes through so much stress every now and then at occasions of the game. And then to come out and bat, and have that concentration and stay not out... Big positive," he concluded.