In IPL 2023, during Qualifier 1 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Virat Kohli, lost to the Gujarat Titans, powered by Shubman Gill’s second consecutive century in as many games. Among many discussions surrounding the game, former Australian cricketer Tom Moody praised both players for their exceptional centuries, but he highlighted a significant difference between the two, based on the number of sixes hit.
V Kohli, who faced constant criticism during most of IPL 2023 for his T20 batting abilities and strike rate, silenced his detractors with consecutive centuries; the second of which, scored during a must-win match against the Gujarat Titans, made him the player with the most centuries in IPL history: seven.
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, had outstanding numbers at the Narendra Modi Stadium this season, but his performance outside that venue had been lackluster until he hit an unbeaten 104 off just 52 balls, including eight sixes, and silenced his critics. However, per Tom Moody, the number of sixes hit during a chase was the distinguishing factor between the two centuries.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Tom Moody stated, “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! 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.”
With their IPL campaign over, Shubman Gill and the Gujarat Titans face off against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday in Qualifier 1 at the Chepauk Stadium, while Virat Kohli is set to travel to England for the World Test Championship final.