Follow UsThe inaugural match of this edition of the Indian Premier League featured Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
73 games later, the two sides are set to lock horns in the summit clash on Sunday, May 28, at the same venue after some impressive performances in the league stages and the playoffs.
While Chennai recorded a 15-run win in the first Qualifier against the Titans, the defending champions outclassed Mumbai Indians in the second Qualifier courtesy off Shubman Gill's record-breaking ton.
The right-handed batter smashed 129 off 60 deliveries, studded with seven boundaries and ten sixes to power the team to 233 runs in the first innings.
In a conversation with Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar heaped praises on the youngster and stated the knock will be remembered for ages. "This innings of Gill will be remembered for years."
"In this knock, Gill forced opposition captain Rohit Sharma to change his strategy by targeting MI's main bowlers. During these matchless innings, Gill kept his strike rate consistently good and kept his team free from pressure. Along with this, this innings will also be remembered for Gill's ability to play cricketing shots in the T20 format," he said.
Irfan Pathan echoed the same sentiments and felt the way Gill went after Mumbai's inexperienced bowling unit helped the team get over the line.
"Years later, when you'll look back, you will remember this knock. If you look at the history of Qualifier matches, you will hold this knock from Gill in high regard."
"It was completely different from what we have witnessed in the knockout stages of the IPL. The way Gill groomed this knock and the way he targeted MI's main bowlers is commendable," Pathan said.
The former Indian pacer also believes that the Titans will hold a slight edge in the final, mainly due to the performance of their bowling unit. "Quality-wise, Gujarat Titans are much ahead in the bowling department than CSK."
"In terms of man-to-man marking, Gujarat Titans are ahead. But it will be an emotional match between CSK and GT. There's still no clarity on whether Dhoni will play next year. Because of the Dhoni factor, the heart is backing CSK," he concluded.