‘Tailenders are not the best batsman’: Shubman Gill laments collapse of India’s middle order after defeat | Cricket News

Captain of India Shubman Gill cut a disappointed figure after his side squandered a commanding position to suffer a four-wicket defeat against England in the second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on Thursday, July 16, 2026.After cruising to 180/3, India endured a dramatic middle-order collapse to be bowled out for just 233, a total England comfortably chased down thanks to an unbeaten 99 from Joe Root, who completed a run less than a century after Gus Atkinson had sealed the victories. The win helped England level the three-match series 1-1.Reflecting on India’s batting collapse, Gill admitted that his side fell well short of the total they were targeting.“Very disappointed, to be honest with you. We thought 300-310 would be a good total after 25 overs. We were in a good position, but lost too many wickets in the middle overs. Our tailenders are not the best batsmen, but we expect more from our lower middle order. Shubman Gill said post-match.

Gill pointed out the injury to Washington Sundar

Talking about Washington Sundar’s injury, Gill admitted that it hampered India’s plans, though he did not blame it for the loss.“He was an important part of our team. I think he got injured while bringing that run into the middle. We had to bowl our top bowlers throughout the innings and change our strategies. It caused a little loss of momentum, but I don’t think it made a big difference because the ball was enough for the fast bowlers,” he added.

Root chased down the target with ease

India squandered a commanding position after being asked to bat first at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Despite a strong 114-run stand between Virat Kohli (65) and Shreyas Iyer (66) that took the visitors to 180/3, a dramatic middle-order collapse saw them lose their last seven wickets for 53 runs and were bowled out for 233. Jofra Archer (3/47) and Gus Atkinson, Jaspred (3/47) and Gus Atkinson, Jaspred (3 with Gus Atkinson)’s unbeaten 20 helped India cross the 230-run mark.England’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Ben Duckett on the first ball of the innings before Prasidh Krishna reduced the hosts to 8/2. However, Joe Root anchored the chase with a superb 99 off 133 balls *, receiving vital support from Will Jacks (30), Sam Curran (26) and *Gus Atkinson (23) **. Atkinson hit the winner to seal a four-wicket victory, leaving Root badly stranded one run short of a century.The result tied the three-match ODI series 1-1, with the decider scheduled to be played at Lord’s on July 19.