'It's like a tick mark': Gill on being No. 1 ODI batter
Shubman Gill discusses reaching the top of ODI rankings and his focus on winning matches as India's captain against West Indies.
Indian cricket star Shubman Gill has opened up about the personal satisfaction of reaching the pinnacle of the ICC rankings, while simultaneously shifting the spotlight toward his primary mission: winning matches for India.
Reflecting on his journey to becoming the World No. 1-ranked batter in ODIs, Gill described the achievement as a significant milestone that validates his childhood aspirations. However, the skipper was quick to clarify that individual accolades are secondary to his performance on the field.
A childhood milestone achieved
Speaking on JioStar, Gill reminisced about the moment he first climbed to the top of the rankings during the 2023 World Cup. For a young cricketer, seeing one's name at the summit is a dream realized.
"The first time when I became the number one-ranked batsman, I think it was during the 2023 World Cup. And it felt good. As a kid, you look at the rankings, so it was like a tick mark that, 'Okay, once I want to become the number one-ranked ODI batsman,'" Gill shared. "So it feels good, but I think right now it doesn't matter as much."
The star batter emphasized that his current mindset has evolved beyond personal statistics. He noted that his true priority is the impact he makes when he walks out to the crease.
"For me, it's more important that if you step out in a match, go to bat, then how you can make the team win, how you can contribute," he added.
Captaincy: A responsibility, not a dream
As Gill continues to lead India in multiple formats, he revealed that the role of captaincy was never a specific ambition he chased during his formative years. Instead, he views the position through the lens of duty and service to the nation.
"I look at it more like a responsibility. Even while growing up, it was not really my dream that I had to become India's captain one day. My dream was always to play for the country and win matches for my country," Gill explained. He noted that while being handed the captaincy is a "big honour," it is the weight of the responsibility that drives him.
Regarding the immense pressure that often accompanies leadership, Gill maintains a philosophy of intent over outcome. He believes that by focusing on the right approach, the results will naturally follow.
"I don't feel that much pressure about this thing because I feel that if I do things with the right intent, then everything will fall into place," he said.
In sensational form
Gill’s words come at a time when his batting form is nothing short of extraordinary. In the ongoing three-match ODI series against the West Indies, the Indian skipper has been in devastating form, amassing 333 runs in just two matches, a feat that includes both a century and a double hundred.
India and the West Indies are set to face off in the third and final ODI this Saturday at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, with Gill looking to continue his prolific run and lead his side to victory.