GT batting star Shubman Gill savours 'best IPL innings'

In the midst of a golden run, Shubman Gill feels working on specific technical areas and a minor tweak before a T20 series in New Zealand post the T20 World Cup in Australia, has worked wonders for his game.

For the record, Gill wasn't picked for the T20 World Cup last year as the Rahul Dravid coached team went with Rohit Sharma, K L Rahul and Virat Kohli as their top three in the batting line-up.

Gill, who has been panned for his strike-rate during the earlier editions of IPL, has confirmed the 'Orange Cap' with 851 runs and three hundreds in IPL 2023 at a strike rate of 156, which has taken Gujarat Titans to its second successive IPL final.

The Punjab youngster sent Mumbai Indians bowling attack on a leather-hunt, hitting 129 off 60 balls as Titans comfortably won the second Qualifier by 62 runs.

"From the last West Indies tour (2022), I think I have shifted a gear, I got injured before the last IPL but I have been working on my game. I have worked on a few areas and made technical changes ahead of the NZ series after the T20 World Cup," he said at the post-match presentation.

Three hundreds in a single IPL edition is only second to Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler's record of four centuries.

"I think this was probably my best innings so far in the IPL," the 23-year-old Punjab man said.

Asked how he deals with the expectations, Gill said: "Expectations are something that follow you outside the ropes, but once you step on the field it is all about trying how to contribute for the team."

Gill said starting well is the key for him to score big.

"For me, it is playing ball to ball, over to over. The over where I hit three sixes gave me the momentum to go big. That's when I realised it could be my day.

"It was a good wicket to bat on as well. Not a conscious decision, you keep inventing as a batter but for me the belief is more important. I am coming off a good international season as well. Had a good season last time as well. When I start well, I feel confident I can score well."

• IPL 2023