Shubman Gill, Gujarat’s young opener smashed his third century of the season to help GT defeat the Mumbai Indians (MI) and advance to the grand showdown against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 28.
Tendulkar, the Mumbai Indians’ coach, was particularly struck by Gill’s temperament, control, and drive for runs.
Gill has had an incredible run of form recently, reaching three hundred in his past four innings.
Gill also owns the Orange Cap, with 851 runs in 16 matches with a strike rate of 156.43 and an average of 60.79.
From the MI dugout, the Little Master saw Gill’s latest century up close. Before the final, he posted a photo with the caption:
“Shubman Gill’s performance this season has been nothing short of unforgettable, marked by two centuries that left an indelible impact. One century ignited @mumbaiindians hopes, while the other dealt them a crushing blow. Such is the unpredictable nature of cricket! What truly impressed me about Shubman’s batting was his remarkable temperament, unwavering calmness, hunger for runs and astute running between the wickets.”
Tendulkar continued:
“In high-scoring encounters, there are always decisive moments that shape the outcome, and Shubman’s exceptional acceleration from the 12th over onwards propelled @gujarat_titans to a monumental total. It was a display of his capacity to seize momentum and make a profound impact on the game. Likewise, Mumbai briefly got back into the game with @tilakvarma9 blistering 24 runs against @mdshami.11 and were alive till @surya_14kumar got out.”
The 50-year-old also wished both finalists luck and stated that the competition will be entertaining to watch.
“Gujarat are a formidable side and the wickets of @shubmangill, @hardikpandya93 & @davidmillersa12 will be key for @chennaiipl tonight. Chennai also bat deep with @mahi7781 coming in as low as number 8, hence it could be a case of one team out-batting the other. It’s going to be an interesting Final to watch.”
The two teams will meet for the third time this season, with each winning their respective home games in the prior two encounters.
“Records are meant to be broken” – Sunil Gavaskar on Shubman Gill breaking Virat Kohli’s 973-run tally
Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian cricketer, believes Gujarat Titans opener Shubman Gill may beat Virat Kohli’s record for most runs in a single season in the final against Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad.
Kohli scored 973 runs, including four hundred, in the 2016 IPL season, propelling the Royal Challengers Bangalore to the final.
Gill has 851 runs before the final and will need to be at his best to come close to breaking Kohli’s batting record.
In interview with India Today, Gavaskar stated:
“Yes it can happen. It looks possible. If Gujarat bat first then Gill will have a big opportunity. If Chennai bat first and gets all out for 180 then 122 will look impossible. But yes, records are meant to be broken.”
Regardless, Gill will end the season as one of just four hitters in IPL history to score 800 runs. He also has the highest individual score in an IPL playoff game, striking 129 off 60 balls against the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.