‘Rohit bhai’s run changed the momentum’: Shubman Gill reveals turning point in India’s win over New Zealand

Rohit Sharma’s run (Image: X) India captain Shubman Gill described Rohit Sharma’s crisp dismissal of Daryl Mitchell as the defining moment in the team’s five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the rain-hit first ODI at Eden Park on Wednesday. Gill credited India’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding for restricting the hosts to 185 before Virat Kohli’s commanding 74 helped the visitors chase down a revised target of 143.New Zealand looked to be rebuilding their innings through the partnership between Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, but Rohit’s vigilance in the field brought a grandstand end and shifted the momentum in India’s favour. Gill felt the dismissal was particularly important considering how well the two batsmen had performed against India previously.“I think we bowled very well. And I think our fielding was really good too. That run away from Rohit bhai changed the momentum of the game. I think it was really the partnership (Mitchell & Phillips), we saw it in India too – those two batted really well in India. And overall I think it was a very good team performance for us,” Gill said after the match.The Indian bowlers ensured that New Zealand never recovered from the setback, bowling them out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh led the charge with four wickets while Gurnoor Brar claimed three and Anshul Kamboj two.

Gill backs Kamboj and Brar after impressive bowling displays

Gill was particularly pleased with the performances of Kamboja and Brar, who made excellent use of the Eden Park conditions to trouble the New Zealand batsmen. Kamboj returned impressive figures of 2/22 in his 10 overs while Brar finished with 3/44.The Indian skipper described Kamboj as a bowler suited to such conditions and highlighted his ability to generate movement with the new ball and remain effective with the older ball. He also praised Brar’s ability to extract extra bounces and trouble shots with his pace.“I mean, Anshul is the type of bowler, I think he’s tailor-made for these conditions, always agile, trying to seam the ball. And good with the old ball. We felt that when there’s not a lot going on from the wicket, he (Brar) can create that extra bounce and with his pace and the way they both bowled tonight, it was really amazing to watch,” he added.

Gill explains how Kohli facilitated the rain-hit chase

India’s chase was far from easy, with two rain interruptions forcing changes to the target and the number of overs available. After an initial delay, the contest was reduced before further interruption reduced the target to 143 in 32 overs by DLS.Gill admitted that the changing conditions made batting difficult, especially for players who had already settled in at the crease. However, he credited Kohli’s balanced approach for making the chase considerably easier for India.“It’s never easy when you’re set and then it rains and the wicket got a bit quicker, it got a bit frozen after the rain. So the target dropped. So we just tried to play our normal cricket. And I think the way Virat bhai batted made it a lot easier for us,” Gill said.Kohli smashed 74 off 51 deliveries to register his 80th ODI half-century while Gill contributed 37. The pair added 113 runs for the second wicket to keep India firmly in check before the New Zealand bowlers picked up some late wickets.India eventually crossed the finish line at 143/5 in 22.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.