KL Rahul puts team before self as he sets up Shubman Gill for century against Bangladesh: Internet expresses concerns over Hardik Pandya's absence

Shubman Gill has been on fire in 2025, with impressive performances in the Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh. His unbeaten 101 not out proved to be the difference-maker, as India narrowly avoided a potential upset. With key players falling around him, Gill held his nerve and steered India to victory with the help of KL Rahul. This was his 8th ODI hundred, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket.

Gill and Rahul added an unbroken partnership of 87 runs for the fifth wicket as India chased down 230 to win the match by six wickets. Rahul, who came under the scanner for low scores in the England ODIs and unsatisfactory performance behind the stumps against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday, more than made up for it with his consolidated effort. More importantly, Rahul hung around for Gill. Unbeaten at 47, Rahul didn't care about his own fifty but allowed Gill to complete his century, which won the internet's heart.

Also Read: 'Message came from dressing room...' - Shubman Gill on Rohit, Gambhir's role in 'most satisfying century' in India's win

More so because the next batter in was Hardik Pandya. Hardik has often found himself in a position where he has finished the game on his own, despite his partner nearing the milestone. Who can forget what happened in West Indies two years ago when Tilak Varma was batting on 49. Hardik smashed a six and won India the game, but copped flak for his 'selfish' act.

Here too, fans worried that had Rahul lost his wicket, and Hardik came out to bat, Gill could have been denied a century. They praised Rahul for allowing his partner to reach the milestone.

Here are some reactions:

Milestones galore

Gill's 101 not out with 11 fours and two cracking sixes weren't the only highlights of the match. Rohit, once again, gave India a blistering start to the innings, scoring a quickfire 41 off 36 balls and in the process, also completed 11000 runs in ODI cricket. He initially struggled to meet the ball in the middle of his bat, but once he did, the memories of the 2023 World Cup came flooding back.

Earlier in the match, that Bangladesh were able to cross 200 was solely due to Towhid Hridoy's maiden century. At 35/5, all hopes seemed lost, and India seemed to be cruising towards a dominant, one-sided victory. But then came a century partnership of 154 between Hridoy and Jaker Ali. Both batters enjoyed lifelines – Rohit dropped Jaker on his first ball, and Hridoy was put down by Hardik. But despite their combined efforts, Bangladesh couldn't get the job done.

Mohammed Shami too made a triumphant return to ICC tournament, completing 200 wickets in ODIs, and becoming the fastest-ever to achieve the feat.

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