Shubman Gill Reveals What Makes Him And Sai Sudharsan So Good As Pair

Gujarat Titans (GT) have been one of the best teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and are highly likely to finish in the top two going into the playoffs. One of the biggest reasons why GT have been so good this season is because of consistent opening pair of skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. 

Sudharsan has crafted 617 runs at an average of 56.09 and a strike rate of 157, while Gill has smashed 601 runs at an average of 60.1 and a strike rate of 155.7. As a pair, the two have accumulated 839 runs in 12 innings at a stunning average of 76.3 and a strike rate of close to 160.

"I think the way we bat is not exactly similar, but the left-right combination helps. We both run very well between the wickets, and we're the kind of players who like to outsmart the opponent - including the bowlers," Gill said on JioHotstar's Gen Bold.

"In T20 cricket, especially with the introduction of the Impact Player rule, that skill of outsmarting the opposition has declined a bit.

“But I think our team still does it really well. It's easy to swing freely on good cement wickets, but real skill lies in reading conditions, assessing the situation, and consistently putting up fighting totals - that, I believe, is the key to our success."

Apart from Gill and Sudharsan, Jos Buttler too has scored 500 runs, while Sherfane Rutherford has also chipped in with a couple of match-winning knocks in the middle-order. In the bowling department, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj have 36 wickets between them. Rashid Khan has been average but R Sai Kishore has been superb with his left-arm spin.

"I think it's been a collective performance. The way everyone is coming together and contributing in all aspects - that's something we've done really well over the first three years, and I think that's what has continued this season,” said Gill.

Talking about GT’s head coach Ashish Nehra, Gill said: "I think Ashish Nehra had a clear vision when Gujarat Titans came in during the first year - he knew how he wanted to build the team and define player roles. His communication with the players, both on and off the field, has been excellent. 

“There are always areas to improve, and the way he works individually with players - especially the bowlers - stands out.Many believe that the IPL is won by batters, but our ideology is different. It doesn't matter how many runs you score if you can't defend them. The way he guides the bowling unit has been a major strength for us."