‘World Cup ka openers mil gaye!’ - Fans heap praises after Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma’s 143-run partnership in 1st ODI vs SL

On 10 January 2023, the team India locked horns with Sri Lanka in the first game of the three-match ODI series at home. The series opener took place in Guwahati, Assam. Before this series, India defeated the Lankans 2-1 in the three-match T20I series. However, all big-name players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were not a part of that series.

They were back for the ODI series. So, all eyes were on them in order to kick off the preparation for the 2023 World Cup with a win. However, Rohit Sharma had a headache before thai clash regarding the final playing XI. In the last ODI that India played in 2022, Ishan Kishan opened the innings and scored a double hundred.

Shubman Gill - Rohit Sharma duo scored 100 runs in just 14.5 overs

Rohit Sharma was not available. Therefore, he got the opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. So, now that he is back, fans were eager to know whether they will go for the southpaw batter or Shubman Gill. Regarding that, in the pre-match press conference, Rohit Sharma said: “Both openers (Gill and Kishan) have done really well. But looking at how both have gone through, I think it is fair that we give Gill a chance to have a fair run because in the last games Gill got a lot of runs as well."

"I am not going to take anything from Ishan. He has been wonderful for us. He got a double hundred and I know what it takes to get a double hundred, it is a great achievement. But just to be honest and be fair to the guys, who have done really well before that we need to give those guys enough chances as well,” Rohit concluded. As a result, they came out to open the innings after the Lankans asked them to bat first. But, they put up a solid 143-run partnership in just 19.4 overs. Shubman Gill scored 70 runs off 60 balls, including 11 fours.

Here is how fans have reacted to the partnership of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the first ODI:

Solid knock by Gill. We should be looking to play him w Rohit for ODIs and Tests at least. And once Pant is back, show KL the door.

— PB (@Cursetiano) January 10, 2023

Superb innings by Gill👏
A very well made 70!

Rohit 🤝 Gill opening pair in the WC✅#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/4BS87IHCql

— Aritravo🔴 (@FF_EyeTest) January 10, 2023

Like all the fans, I am not sad about Gill getting out. I am happy coz Kohli will come next. Happier coz both Rohit & Kohli are at the crease. My heart is beating faster coz it's expecting a partnership for the records books from the duo. #INDvSL #RohitSharma𓃵 #ViratKohli

— Niburian (@Niburianz) January 10, 2023

Shubhman Gill lbw to Sanaka for 70. IND are 143 for 1 after 19.3 overs.
Rohit is going strong at 76.

— Arun dogra (@Arundog92655094) January 10, 2023

Opening with Rohit one'of the best things happen on ur career.

Well played Gill 👏

— Retired 🥀 (@Sense_Detected) January 10, 2023

Well done Gill. You achieve best things like batting with Rohit Sharma.

Good Inning 👏

— Retired 🥀 (@Sense_Detected) January 10, 2023

These are great signs for India’s World Cup 2023 campaign 🔥
Gill has been sublime in ODIs since his debut and this is a comeback in some style by Rohit 🔥🔥

— GARVIT_GUPTA (@er_geet_gupta) January 10, 2023

Gill - Rohit show at Guwahati, What an incredible display.

— VIJAY NAYAK (@VIJAYANAYAK17) January 10, 2023