Gill targets fine-tuning for CWC27 despite Windies series win
Skipper Shubman Gill reflects on India's ODI series victory over West Indies while outlining key areas needing improvement ahead of the marquee event next year.
Though India secured a 2-1 ODI series win against the West Indies, captain Shubman Gill emphasized that the team still has key areas to refine ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, specifically pointing to death bowling and fielding.
"I feel sometimes we are not really clear whether we are attacking or we are defending, especially while bowling during death overs," Gill said during the post-match presentation in Mullanpur.
"Decently pleased (with the progress), but I think there are still some areas of improvement ahead of the World Cup. We dropped around 3-4 catches, which breaks the momentum of the team.
"Fielding hasn't been upto the mark, we were sloppy on the field, these are the areas we need to get better leading to the World Cup.
"If the wicket is not helpful for bowlers, and if fielding is sub standard it gets difficult for bowlers."
West Indies defeated India in the third ODI, thanks to Shai Hope's unbeaten 162, which was instrumental in helping the visitors to complete a record run-chase.
With limited ODIs remaining before the global event, India experimented with their playing XIs during the series to build squad depth.
With Jasprit Bumrah on Asian Games duty and Hardik Pandya, who is yet to recover from his injury, Gill feels India are yet to play the combination they want to try during the World Cup.
"I don't think there much time to experiment. Hopefully the combination that we want to play (for the World Cup) is available for the next series."
With the series being a batting friendly one and Mohammed Siraj playing just one of the three ODIs, India relied heavily on their bench strength throughout.
Debutant Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, and off-spinner Naman Dhir took charge of the final 10 overs in Mullanpur.
"Anshul is someone who can bat at no.8, it is an important position for us.
"We don't know who will be fit at the World Cup, we wanted someone who can bowl and bat a bit at 8, Anshul can do the job even Auqib (Nabi) can do the job. We wanted to see which players can deliver under pressure and if they can get some experience."
With a wealth of all-rounders at their disposal, Gill stressed the importance of matching skillsets to South African conditions before finalizing the squad for the World Cup.
"(Ravindra) Jadeja was rested because we wanted to give opportunities to others.
"Keeping the World Cup and its conditions in mind, whoever offers the most value with their skillsets will make the squad."
India's next 50-over assignment is a five-match ODI series against New Zealand.