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Gujarat Titans’ Openers Set IPL 2025 Alight: Gill and Sai Sudharsan on Fire

Gujarat Titans (GT) stand at the summit of the IPL 2025 table, having secured nine victories from twelve matches. Their rise has been marked not only by collective teamwork but also by the remarkable performances of their opening batsmen, Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan. Both have crossed the 600-run mark this season, a feat unmatched by any other player in the tournament. Tom Moody observes that their ability to shift through “five gears” has been instrumental.

During their recent match in Delhi, Gill and Sudharsan’s unbroken double-century stand further showcased their proficiency in adapting to various match situations. “The way they dovetail together as an opening pair, they seem to really understand each other’s game,” reflected Moody on ESPNcricinfo Time Out. Their strategic partnership has resulted in 839 runs at an impressive average of 76.27, including three-century stands—a significant achievement in the fast-paced T20 format.

Piyush Chawla highlighted their efficiency in rotating the strike and maintaining pressure on the bowlers. “When you are bowling a good ball as a bowler, you look for a dot ball or a wicket. They turn that into a single,” he noted. Their ability to pick boundaries off loose deliveries and to manipulate strike rotations has left opposing bowlers often bereft of answers.

Recalling a challenging game against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Chawla praised Gill’s adaptability. “It was a difficult pitch to bat on, but again Shubman Gill made that pitch look totally different,” he said, reinforcing the pair’s ability to thrive under varying conditions.

Gill and Sudharsan have amassed a formidable tally of boundaries, with Gill’s tally including 54 fours and 23 sixes, while Sudharsan has struck 68 fours and 20 sixes. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal of Rajasthan Royals has hit more fours than Gill. Yet, it’s their minimization of dot balls that stands out. GT boasts the lowest dot-ball percentage in the league, a testament to their relentless approach at the crease.

Tom Moody, joined by Chawla, lauded the duo for their strategic depth, noting their evolution over the years. Adjusting their styles to suit the dynamic nature of T20 cricket, Gill and Sudharsan have become invaluable to GT’s campaign.

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