Shubman Gill Reveals Areas To Improve For India After Mullanpur ODI Defeat vs West Indies

Shubman Gill rued India's fielding and death bowling [Source: AFP]India suffered a shock defeat in Mullanpur after West Indies chased down 352 comfortably, with 5 wickets in hand. With this, the visitors salvaged a win in the three-match series, having lost the first two matches comprehensively.This was only the third time a visiting team successfully chased a 350+ set by the Indians at home. Hence, the eyebrows were raised at the second-innings bowling effort, but captain Shubman Gill has identified the areas India need to work on in the lead-up to the World Cup 2027.Shubman Gill asks more effort from the fieldersHaving taken up the ODI captaincy in Australia last year, Gill's tenure did not take off quickly. India lost the Australia and New Zealand series under him, followed by another series defeat in England. The West Indies series is only the second successful assignment for him after the Afghanistan series, but the skipper has acknowledged some progress vs WI.India consistently dropped catches and looked a bit relaxed on the field. India are strong contenders for the World Cup, and this is one of the areas where the team has thrived in the recent past, so an improvement is the need of the hour. Gill openly admitted to it and asked for better efforts on the field."Decently pleased [by the team's progress], I would say. But, like I said, I think there are still some areas. I think fielding could be much better. Overall in the series, I think we dropped six or seven catches, which is not a good sign. Leading up to the World Cup, you want your fielding to be top-notch," the captain noted at the presentation ceremony.Also Read: Rohit Sharma Bursts Into Laughter After Wild Throw Nearly Hits Mohammed SirajIndia's death overs weakness on displayUnder Shubman Gill, India has only won 1 of the 6 ODIs while trying to defend the target. The only win while batting first came against Afghanistan in Lucknow earlier this year.On Saturday, West Indies needed 81 from 60 and then 56 from 30. However, Shai Hope took the bowlers to the cleaners and chased the score with 10 balls in hand. Gill felt death bowling was another area that needed work on."Death bowling as well. Sometimes we’re not really clear whether we’re attacking or defending, especially when we’re bowling the death overs. In one-day cricket, if the opposition is five or six down, you’re never really sure what fields to take—whether we’re going for the death too early or whether we’re still bowling kind of like middle overs."Up next, India will play five T20Is against the West Indies, ahead of the all-format tour of New Zealand from October to December.Also Read: Virat Kohli Flops, Rohit Sharma World Record – October 3 Cricket Highlights