IPL 2023: It's all about getting a start and converting it into a big one, says Shubman Gill

IPL 2023: After his second straight century in IPL 2023 helped Gujarat Titans chase down 198 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, in-form opener Shubman Gill said his focus has always been about getting a start and converting it into a big knock.

Gill sizzled at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium with an unbeaten 104 off 52 balls, laced with hitting five fours and eight sixes at a strike-rate of 200 to break countless Bangalore-supporting hearts in the stadium and steal the thunder from Virat Kohli`s hundred to chase down the total with five balls to spare and send the hosts` out of the competition.

"In the first half of the IPL, I was missing out on those big ones. I was getting a lot of 40s and 50s. It`s all about getting a start and converting it into a big one. Thankfully it`s working out for me in the business end."

"You need to keep playing shots in T20 cricket. 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," said Gill after the match ended.

Gill also shared a crucial 123-run partnership off 71 balls for the second wicket with Vijay Shankar, who scored a quick 53, and revealed that he told the all-rounder to focus on getting his timing right.

"I thought Vijay Shankar was trying to go too hard. I told him to hold his shape and just try to time it. 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 (for qualifier 1)."

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Skipper Hardik Pandya heaped praise on Gill for leading Gujarat to another resounding victory in the competition. "He knows when he plays those cricketing shots and bats like a batter, it`s a different Shubman Gill."

"The kind of options he picked and the kind of places where he was hitting, as a bowler he doesn`t give any chance. That makes him very special and the other batter gets confidence from him as well."

Pandya also acknowledged Kohli`s unbeaten 101 and added that he was pleased with ending the league stage on a high. "We wanted the momentum going, and wanted to finish on a high. We would have taken 197 at the start. We should have bowled good balls."

"Special innings from Virat as well. I can`t ask for anything better. Last year, everything went our way. This year, we were expecting people to challenge us. A lot of credit goes to all the boys."

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