In a dazzling display of power hitting, Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill orchestrated a breathtaking onslaught as Gujarat Titans roared to 231 for three against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League clash here on Friday.
Gill’s scintillating knock of 104 runs off just 55 deliveries was complemented by Sudharsan’s equally explosive innings of 103 runs from 51 balls. Their partnership of 210 runs not only pulverized the Chennai Super Kings’ bowling attack but also etched a new record as the highest partnership for any wicket in this season of the IPL.
Matching each other stroke for stroke, Gill and Sudharsan not only equaled Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul’s highest-ever IPL opening partnership but also treated the spectators to a spectacle of six-hitting prowess, with a combined total of 13 sixes between them.
Gill’s innings was a masterclass in timing and elegance, adorned with nine fours and six maximums, while Sudharsan, in his maiden IPL century, bludgeoned the ball to all parts of the ground, smashing five boundaries and seven sixes.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Gill wasted no time in asserting dominance, dispatching Mitchell Santner’s overpitched delivery to the boundary. From there, he went on a rampage, lofting balls effortlessly over the infield and into the stands.
Sudharsan, after a cautious start, soon found his rhythm, reaching his fifty in just 32 balls with a powerful slog sweep off Ravindra Jadeja. The duo’s onslaught left the Chennai Super Kings bowlers reeling, with only Shardul Thakur managing to maintain some semblance of control amidst the carnage.
Despite their best efforts, the CSK fielders failed to contain the Gujarat Titans’ assault, with dropped catches and general sloppiness adding to their woes. Tushar Deshpande’s misjudgment cost them dearly as he put down Gill on 72, leading to a costly over that yielded 19 runs.
Gill’s century, the 100th in IPL history, was celebrated with gusto, while Sudharsan’s milestone was marked with a towering six. However, CSK managed to stage a late comeback, restricting Gujarat Titans to just 41 runs in the last five overs and picking up crucial wickets, including those of Sudharsan and Gill, courtesy of Deshpande’s bowling prowess.
The stage is now set for an intriguing chase as Chennai Super Kings look to mount a formidable response to Gujarat Titans’ imposing total.
