Hardik Pandya stunned by ‘superstar’ Shubman Gill after young opener’s 129 guided GT to IPL 2023 final

By India Today Sports Desk: Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya has praised Shubman Gill after the young opener smashed his career best with 129 from just 60 balls in his IPL 2023 Qualifier 2 win over Mumbai Indians on Friday 28 January. May. Gill delivered big for GT in their must-see clash against the 5-time champions, as he produced a sensational hit in which he hit 10 sixes and 7 limits as the defending champions posted a winning total of 233 on board.

Shubman Gill looked flawless as he made sure to make the most of a missed chance in the 30th to break up the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack. Shubman hit his first fifty in 32 balls and needed just 18 balls to add another fifty to his tally and showcase his third century of IPL 2023.

IPL 2023: Full Coverage | points table

Shubman Gill scored 300 in his last 4 innings and delivered when it mattered most for the Gujarat Titans. The 23-year-old scored 851 runs in 15 matches and broke multiple records at IPl 2023. Not only did Shubman post the highest score by a batsman in playoff history, he also became the third batter after Virat Kohli (973 in 2016) and Jos Buttler (863 in 2022) to score more than 850 runs in a single season.

Gill had 483 runs in his first season for Gujarat Titans in the IPL but has taken his game to another level in IPL 2023. Gill has not only racked up runs but they have hit a sensational 156 strike rate.

Hardik Pandya explained the difference this season and said that there is more clarity of thought with the first match in the 2023 season.

“I think the clarity that he [Shubman Gill] led, he’s in a great place when it comes to mentality. This has to be one of the best shots I’ve seen in a long time. He never seemed rushed, he was always in control and it felt like balls were being thrown at him and he was hitting them. I mean ugh! He is a superstar and he will do great things for both the franchise and the country,” said Hardik Pandya.

WE WILL GIVE OUR BEST IN THE FINAL: HARDIK

Shubman Gill’s hundred broke the spirit of the Mumbai Indians, who were en route to Ahmedabad after thrashing Lucknow Super Giants in the Chennai Eliminator.

Mohammed Shami got GT off to a great start by sacking opener Rohit Sharma and Nehal Wadhera, after which Josh Little broke the partnership between Cameron Green and Suryakumar Yadav quickly over 50.

Mohit Sharma put the finishing touches by landing Suryakumar Yadav, who reached the age of 60 and completed a 5-wicket haul.

Gujarat Titans will face Chennai Super Kings in the final on May 28 in Ahmedabad. While Gujarat, who topped the table and showed their ability to bounce back, are a force to be reckoned with, Hardik Pandya highlighted the fickle nature of tournament finals.

“I want to say we’re going to do our best. Regardless of the outcome, if we put in our 100 percent and give our best, things are going to be fun. I mean knockouts are a fun game. You can go here and you can go there, I mean, it’s going to be fun with the guys.” Hardik talked about the final.

Gujarat became the first team to reach the final in their first two years and has a chance to become the third team after CSK and MI to win back-to-back titles.