In the darkish of evening, the King confronted his heir-apparent, witnessing an sudden flip of occasions. Contrary to common expectations, Royal Challengers Bangalore, even after Virat Kohli’s exceptional consecutive centuries, succumbed to defeat, successfully eliminating their possibilities of making it to the playoffs in IPL 2023. It was the Prince, within the type of Shubman Gill, who crushed RCB’s hopes. Following within the footsteps of his “idol,” Gill achieved his second consecutive century because the Gujarat Titans secured a six-wicket victory in Qualifier 1 on the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
From smashing back-to-back stylish centuries to acing the chase courtesy of a match-winning partnership _
Presenting chase particular from Bengaluru ft. @ShubmanGill & @vijayshankar260 ____ – By @RajalArora
Full Interview __ #TATAIPL | #RCBvGT https://t.co/3Jf1Iae1oC pic.twitter.com/qN901Aq5bQ
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 22, 2023
Both centuries had been distinctive in their very own proper, but one made a extra vital affect, prompting former Australian cricketer Tom Moody to make an audacious comment as he in contrast the 2 exceptional a whole lot. Virat Kohli, the participant who confronted criticism all through most of IPL 2023 for his strike charge and T20 batting talents, made a triumphant return, silencing his detractors in type. After smashing a century off 62 balls in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad in RCB’s second-to-last recreation, he replicated the feat in an important do-or-die match in opposition to the Gujarat Titans.
This century propelled him to the highest of the desk, surpassing Chris Gayle, because the participant with essentially the most centuries in IPL historical past—seven in whole. However, regardless of his unbelievable century, it fell quick. Similar discussions arose concerning Shubman Gill’s efficiency exterior of Ahmedabad. While Gill had excellent numbers on the Narendra Modi Stadium this season, the perfect ever by a batter at any particular venue, his efficiency exterior that venue had been lackluster. Yet, with an unbeaten 104 off simply 52 balls, he silenced these critics and concluded GT’s league part in spectacular style.
During an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Tom Moody expressed his admiration for Gill’s batting prowess. While he acknowledged Kohli’s century, he could not comprise his enthusiasm for Gill’s composed batting method and relaxed strategy to the chase. The former coach of the Sunrisers Hyderabad then highlighted the “significant difference” between the 2 centuries, attributing it to the variety of sixes every participant hit. While Kohli hit just one six, Gill smashed eight.
“He is an absolute joy to watch. He exudes composure at the crease. Just by looking at his facial expression and body language, you can see that he is completely in control. He possesses a remarkable skill set. Eight sixes! That was the distinguishing factor between the two centuries. Both were exceptional hundreds, but Kohli only hit one six, whereas Gill hit eight of them and maintained a strike rate of 200. That’s a significant difference, especially considering it came during a chase. Hats off to him,” Moody praised.
Gill and the Gujarat Titans will now shift their focus to the Chepauk Stadium, the place they may face the Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Kohli is reportedly set to journey to England tomorrow for the World Test Championship ultimate.
