Shubman Gill Blames Bowlers For India’s ODI Series Defeat In England

Shubman Gill blames bowlers [Source: AFP]

Team India lost the series-deciding third ODI against England by 27 runs at Lord’s in London. After having taken an early lead in the series, the ‘Men in Blue’ have now suffered a humiliating 1-2 series defeat to end their European tour on a dismal note.

It is worth noting that under the leadership of captain Shubman Gill, Team India has now recorded three series defeats in four attempts, with their lone success occurring against Afghanistan at home last month.

Following India’s latest defeat to England, captain Gill spoke extensively at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Shubman Gill blames Arshdeep Singh and co. for wayward early bowling

The England cricket team batted first and mounted 387-3 from 50 overs in the series-deciding third ODI on Sunday, July 19. India’s fast bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh in the absence of an injured Jasprit Bumrah, managed to pick up just three wickets in their 40 overs combined, with Gurnoor Brar himself conceding 97 runs off his 10 overs.

While speaking with the commentator after the match, Indian captain Shubman Gill criticized Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna for failing to make an early impact during the powerplay overs. 

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The senior Indian batter also blamed his team’s slog overs bowling, considering the Englishmen extracted 82 runs from the final 30 balls of the innings.

Shubman Gill said “I think, in this match in particular, we didn't bowl well, especially in the powerplay. I think we bowled too many off deliveries in the powerplay. And then the way they capitalised, both the openers after the powerplay, was just tremendous. They never really gave us a chance to come back in the game. And then in the death overs, I think they got, like I said, too far ahead of us. But many positives for us in the series, almost everyone getting runs and taking wickets.”

Shubman Gill praises Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for batting exhibition

The Indian skipper, however, praised senior men Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for putting up a batting exhibition in their final international outing in England.

Chasing 388, Sharma plundered 138 runs off just 110 balls to notch up his 34rd ODI century. Kohli, on the other hand, compiled 74 runs from 60 balls. However, the latter of the two cricketers lost his steam towards the end as England bowlers resorted to slower deliveries.

Shubman Gill said “I mean, they have done really well over the years in different parts of the world. And very, very pleased with how Rohit Bhai batted today, especially getting 140. And I think the wicket got a little bit slow in the end. It wasn't easy to hit those runs. But I think the way he batted was really a treat to watch.”

Gill yet to win a series against a top 8 nation

Shubman Gill was first appointed as India’s ODI captain back in mid-2025 last year. Under his leadership, the ‘Men in Blue’ lost the ODI series in Australia, and lost to New Zealand at home in January this year by 1-2 margins.

While India clinched a 3-0 series sweep over Afghanistan at home last month, a 1-2 series defeat in England now marks his third series loss in four attempts as ODI captain.

As the road to the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup gathers pace, Gill's India faces a crucial period of rebuilding, with the young captain under increasing pressure to turn promising performances into consistent series victories.

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