Shubman Gill on Friday (May 26) once again showed why he is touted as the next all-format batting superstar of the Indian cricket team.
The opening batter slammed a scintillating century for Gujarat Titans (GT) against Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
After the Titans were invited to bat first, Gill got off to a steady start. He was on 20 off 15 balls at one stage. However, Shubman took the MI attack to the cleaners after he got his eyes in.
Gill completed his half-century in the 10th over off 33 balls and went berserk thereafter. The right-hander started dealing in boundaries and it took him only 16 more deliveries to reach the three-figure mark.
Shubman continued his carnage after the hundred and went on to score 129 off 60 balls before being dismissed. His knock was studded with 7 fours and 10 sixes, propelling GT to a mammoth 233/3 in 20 overs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Shubman Gill said he realised it was going to be his day when he smashed Akash Madhwal for three sixes in an over.
"For me, it is playing ball to ball, over to over. The over where I hit three sixes gave me the momentum to go big. That's when I realised it could be my day. It was a good wicket to bat on as well," Gill stated.
When asked about his six-hitting prowess this season, Gill added, "Not a conscious decision, you keep inventing as a batter but for me, the belief is more important. I am coming off a good international season as well. Had a good season last time as well. When I start well, I feel confident I can score well. From the last WI tour, I think I have shifted a gear, I got injured before the last IPL but I have been working on my game. I have worked on a few areas and made technical changes ahead of the NZ series after the T20 World Cup."
The 23-year-old concluded by saying that this was probably his best innings in the Indian Premier League.
"Expectations are something that follow you outside the ropes, but once you step on the field it is all about trying how to contribute for the team. I think this was probably my best innings so far in the IPL," Gill signed off.
Defending the total, GT bundled out MI for 171 in 18.2 overs. Mohit Sharma (5-10) starred with the ball, returning with a five-wicket haul while Rashid Khan (2-33) and Mohammad Shami (2-41) claimed two scalps each.
With this victory, Gujarat Titans set up a clash with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 28).
