Hamilton: India’s young opener Shubman Gill believes that rain-affected matches are frustrating for both players and spectators and hence closed-roof stadiums can be a good option. India’s tour of New Zealand has been affected by rain in the T20 and ODI series. Out of the six matches of this tour so far, two matches (1st T20 and 2nd ODI) had to be abandoned due to rain while one match (Napier T20) was decided by Duckworth-Lewis method.
Gill, who scored 50 in the first ODI, scored an unbeaten 45 before the second ODI was called off due to rain. He said that when matches are affected by rain, there is a lot of frustration. Gill told reporters after the cancellation of the second ODI, “It is for the board to decide (to play in the indoor stadium). As a player and a fan, it is distressing to see so many matches getting affected due to rain. What can I say about this because it is a big decision. Definitely closed roof stadiums would be a good option.”
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In the second ODI between India and New Zealand, the number of overs was reduced to 29 after the first rain interruption but only 12.5 overs were played in the match. Gill said, “It is very disturbing because you do not know how many overs will be played and in such a situation you cannot plan accordingly.” Changes are being considered in India’s ODI batting set-up but the youngster from Punjab believes that it is not possible to score 400 or 450 runs every day.
Gill said, “A score of 400 to 450 runs can be made in one or two matches in a year. Most of the teams aim to score around 300 runs. Also it depends on the conditions whether you are batting first or chasing. But a score of more than 400 cannot be made in every match. Gill is a strong contender for a place in the 15-man squad for next year’s World Cup but said he is not thinking about that right now. He said, “I am not thinking that far ahead and want to make the most of whatever opportunities are coming my way. I want to play big innings for the team.”