Gujarat Titans (GT) opener Shubman Gill smashed his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) century during the first innings of the match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad on Monday, May 15. The swashbuckling opener took just 56 balls to achieve this feat, and in doing so, was the sixth ton of the season, and the first in the short history of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
After being sent in to bat first by SRH, the side lost Wriddhiman Saha for a duck early, but Gill persevered with his 101 off 58 balls to help his team set a solid platform of 188 runs for the win.
Former India captain and legendary batter, Sunil Gavaskar lauded Gill for his pristine display with the bat which ultimately led to defending champions securing a playoff berth.
"This was a dream innings from Shubman Gill. Honestly, it was a dream century because there was hardly a foot that he put wrong. I don't remember him playing and missing. I don't remember him getting hit on the pads, everything was off the middle of the bat," said Gavaskar on Star Sports.
"Just helping it along, using the extra pace of the bowler at time, making the pace himself. He did everything. I have to say if you bat like that, the sky is the limit, the world will be at your feet," Gavaskar added.
Gill combined first with Sai Sudharsan to set up a partnership of 147 runs for the second wicket. Then, there was a major collapse as Sai ended up being the last batter to touch double digits in his team. Gill's innings included 13 fours and a six as his knock helped the Titans get off to a solid start.
Gill has been in excellent form, both internationally and in IPL 2023. He has scored seven centuries in the last six months. These include two Tests, three ODIs, one T20I and one IPL century. Interestingly, he also scored an ODI double-century during this period. During his exceptional innings for GT, he also became the first batter to 1000 IPL runs for the defending champions.
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IPL 2023: Shubman Gill smashes ton off just 56 balls, a first for both him and Gujarat Titans