The defending champions, Gujarat Titans, concluded the league stages on top of the table with 20 points. Finishing in the top two slots in the league stages provided them with the advantage of playing the first qualifier, where they were defeated by the Chennai Super Kings in Chepauk, and the opportunity to set things right the second time around in the second qualifier. After winning the eliminator, the Mumbai Indians faced Gujarat wounded lions at the Narendra Modi stadium on Sunday in order to go to the finals against the Chennai Super Kings.
The rain gods made their presence known in the second qualifier, threatening to sweep away the game. Despite a delayed start, the rain gods eventually showed pity, enabling a full game to select the second finalist of the Tata IPL 2023 alongside the Chennai Super Kings. Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first due to the showers. The Gujarat Titans’ starters approached the early demons on the pitch with caution, but they got off to a terrific start on the powerplay.
Gill’s Wagon Wheel Show: Gujarat Titans Triumph
The 23-year-old kid is enjoying a season to remember in this year’s Tata IPL, demonstrating his progress as a power hitter with all the necessary cricketing skills in the shortest format throughout the season. After joining the elite list of players to score back-to-back centuries in the IPL, he continues to raise the bar for himself by delivering one of the best knocks ever played in the history of the Tata IPL in the knockout stages when he scored his third century in his last four innings this year in the IPL.
He scored approximately 57% of his runs on the leg side, specifically around the deep square leg, deep mid-wicket, and long on, with deep mid-wicket being his most prolific location. During his match-winning knock against the Mumbai Indians last night, the flip shot was his most fruitful shot.
Sharma’s Masterful Pitch Invasion: Titans’ Wickets Run Riot
Mohit Sharma has not only made a comeback this season, but he is also one of the best wicket-takers in the death overs phase, having taken 14 wickets. He is also the third top wicket scorer this season, with 24 wickets. He took five wickets in 14 balls, derailing the Mumbai Indians’ run chase as well as their hopes of reaching the finals. In the second qualifier, he came in to bowl his first over of the game in the 15th over in the run chase.
Four of his five victims were right-handed batsmen who failed to recognise Mohit’s variation in change of pace deliveries in the full and good length area around the off stump, forcing the batter to create all the pace under pressure, and as a result, the batters couldn’t time the ball to get the appropriate distance and elevation in their shots. He bowled a delivery around the short good length region to the left-hander, and the batsman failed to get the elevation right.
Conclusion
Shubman Gill, also regarded as the “Prince of Indian Cricket,” has recently improved his game. He became the seventh batter in IPL history to score a century in the playoffs. Gill’s batting prowess has mesmerized fans and experts alike, as he combines elegant shot-making, impeccable timing, and a composed demeanour at the crease. With each match, he has asserted himself as a formidable presence, particularly in the high-pressure playoff encounters of the IPL.
