The Indian cricket team absolutely dominated the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, winning it 3-0. This was a special series because it was Shubman Gill's very first time leading the ODI team as the official
captain.The team wanted to test their young players and try new tactics. After the final win, Gill was thrilled that almost everything they planned worked out perfectly. In the post match presentation, Gill praised his team and said that a lot of those boxes were ticked, as he referred to the tactical changes the think tank was making and was happy that the players executed it brilliantly,while performing on the field.
“I think a lot of the boxes are ticked. We spoke about keeping the intensity in the middle overs and some of the things that we also spoke about was how can we keep creating those opportunities”, In ODI cricket, the middle overs (overs 11 to 40) usually decide the game. Gill praised his batters for keeping the scoreboard ticking and his bowlers for taking crucial wickets during this period. Gill mentioned that this series was the start of India's long-term preparation for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. India played with a strategy that will help them when they travel to England next, and eventually to South Africa for the World Cup.
Shubman Gill said, “We're heading to England next, the condition there should be similar to what we might encounter in South Africa. Not exactly the same, but close enough to provide valuable preparation. We'll be looking at the combinations we want to play there.” pic.twitter.com/eQqSWdC3I4
— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) June 20, 2026
“Going to be another great series for us”: Shubman Gill on series against England and South Africa
During his post-match media interaction, Gill connected the team's upcoming tour of England directly to their preparation for the next World Cup in South Africa. Indian skipper Shubman Gill explained that the upcoming tour of England serves as a crucial training ground for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in South Africa. Following a dominant 3-0 series sweep over Afghanistan, Gill noted that while English pitches are not identical to South African ones, the swinging ball and extra bounce will give his young squad the perfect overseas challenge. "We're heading to England next, and the conditions there should be somewhat similar to what we might encounter in South Africa. Not exactly the same, but close enough to provide valuable preparation.”
Playing in India against Afghanistan allowed the team to dominate on familiar, spin-friendly pitches. However, the 2027 ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, where pitches are fast and bouncy. By touring England next, India's young batters will have to face high-quality swing and seam bowling. Gill believes this is the closest test they can get to replicate that overseas pressure. "So the kind of combination that we would be looking to play there, hopefully, we have all the players fit and ready, it is going to be another great series for us”, said the skipper.
