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Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill went past Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Virat Kohli in the orange cap race. On May 2, Gill scored 76 runs from just 38 deliveries against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Following GT's comfortable 38-run win over SRH, former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja hailed Gill and compared him to Kohli for his consistency and unnecessary risk-free batting.
"It’s business as usual with Shubman Gill because this man is just so consistent. We have a Virat Kohli in our country, but Gill is no less. If you look at the consistency with which he scores—it’s similar in style. They don’t take unnecessary risks; they wait for the bowler to make a mistake. Unless absolutely required, you rarely see them throw their wicket away. Skill-wise, Gill is outstanding. He peppered the offside beautifully today with those cover drives," Jadeja said on JioHotstar.
"What stood out were those three big hits—one over mid-wicket off Pat Cummins and another off the other pacer. That was a new element today. Otherwise, he remains rock solid," he added.
Gill hit two sixes and 10 fours in his 38-ball 76. He had to walk back to the pavillion after a controversial run out. He was not happy with the decision and had an animated chat with the match official near the dugout.
Where does Gill stand in orange cap race?
Currently, Gill is fourth in the race of orange cap. The opener has scored 465 runs from 10 innings at an average of 51.67, including five half-centuries. His strike rate is impressive at 162.02. He is behind his teammate Sai Sudharsan (504 runs), Mumbai Indians' (MI) Suryakumar Yadav (475 runs) and another teammate, Jos Buttler (470 runs).
"The only conversation was let's try to play the game we have been playing so far. The black soil pitch is not easy to hit sixes but the way me, Sai and Jos play, I think we have the understanding on how to keep the scoreboard ticking. I don't think we have ever had that conversation where one of us has to be there. We are all eager and hungry for runs and do what is best for the team. The fielding was one thing we talk about before every game, we have been average so far but happy with the way we fielded today. Everyone is chipping in, it is always nice to have options when you are defending on these grounds," Gill said in the post-match presentation.
The win helped GT rise to the second position. They have won seven out of 10 games. Their NRR is only behind MI. Their next match is against MI on May 6 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
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