Virat Kohli’s seventh consecutive centuries in the IPL were ineffective because Shubman Gill’s second century of the year eclipsed the King’s heroic efforts and struck a fatal blow to RCB. Mumbai Indians needed to win to overtake Sunrisers Hyderabad and move up to 16 points, but GT finished with 10 victories and 20 points thanks to Gill’s undefeated 104 off 52 balls with 5 fours and 8 sixes.
The player of the match was Gill, who elevated his batting to a new level last year and aptly earned the moniker “Prince,” ushering in Kohli’s successor as India’s premier batsman. Gill was unfazed by GT’s brisk start to the innings after RCB had amassed 197, mostly thanks to Kohli’s unbeaten 101 off 61 balls. Gill maintained focus even though Wriddhiman Saha first veered off course.
GT vs CSK would be the first Playoff game of IPL 2023 on Tuesday
The pair stitched a century partnership when Vijay Shankar joined them at No. 3, and despite the all-rounder’s occasional patchiness, Gill was never even mildly worried. Even though RCB made a late comeback and quickly dismissed Shankar, Dasun Shanaka, and David Miller, Gill’s temperament, patience, and faith helped GT prevail.
“It’s all about getting a start and converting it into a big one. Thankfully it’s working out for me on the business end. You have to keep applying yourself; that’s important. The new ball was holding on a bit. The ball was getting wet with the dew. I thought Vijay Shankar was trying to go too hard. Once he found the momentum, he hit it a long way. I know my game… for any player, it’s important to know who you are. I think we have a great bowling attack for that [Chennai] wicket; hopefully, we’ll win in Chennai against CSK and make it to our 2nd Final,” said Player of the Match, Gill.
Naturally, CSK fans reacted quickly to Shubman Gill’s ambitious words after GT’s win against RCB. Although they look strong, fans pointed out that the Chepauk is a fortress and CSK the uncontested Kings.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Wo to nahi ho payega.
— CSK??? (@Pkccckp) May 22, 2023
Le Dhoni to Gill after hearing this pic.twitter.com/56sABp1ukl
— Sarcastic Cowboy (@SarcasticCowboy) May 21, 2023
Jyada sapne maat dekh gill tum gilli ho jaoge ??
— Snehashish Paul (@SnehashishPaul7) May 22, 2023
Kash yeh form agge bhi rahe
Kyuki Prince abb King ban gaya hai logo ke mutabik— what India Loves (@whatindialoves) May 22, 2023
No This Time CSK ?
We are also for 5th ?— Subrajit Pradhan ? (@Subrajit_Tulu) May 21, 2023
Bhai tum log gol ghumke aao ahemdabad hote hue hum chennai se ahemdabad jate h
— ??Munis Qureshi?? (@Munisazizi) May 21, 2023
Please own csk pic.twitter.com/LMIJRUP9aC
— ? ? ????? ???? ? ? (@screwgauge77) May 21, 2023
Last time when gill played against csk in finals let’s show him his real awkaat pic.twitter.com/ZtTWJKsulz
— peer haseeb (@haseebpeer6) May 21, 2023