‘Dropped before T20 World Cup, comes back with a roar’: Shubman Gill's RR heroics show GT captain thrives under pressure

Shubman Gill is now second in the Orange Cap race with 722 runs in 15 matches at an average of 48.13 and 163.71 strike rate.

Published on: May 30, 2026, 10:48:21 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Mohammad Kaif was left in awe of Shubman Gill after the Gujarat Titans' stunning ton against Rajasthan Royals in their playoff win on Friday. GT are set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, and Gill's knock was pivotal in helping them reach the title showdown. Chasing 215 runs, GT reached 219/3 in 18.4 overs, winning by seven wickets, courtesy of Gill's 53-ball 104.

Shubman Gill got a century against RR. (PTI)

The GT skipper also hammered 15 fours and three sixes, also striking at 196.23. Gill is now second in the Orange Cap race with 722 runs in 15 matches at an average of 48.13 and 163.71 strike rate.

Also Read: Irfan Pathan slams Gujarat Titans' 'bodyline' tactics against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 'The father in me doesn't agree'

‘What a story’

Taking to X, Kaif hailed Gill for his comeback, especially after missing out on India's T20 World Cup squad. Pointing out his calm composure in a do-or-die match, the former player was also impressed by his position in the Orange Cap race this season.

Kaif wrote, “Dropped before T20 World Cup, Shubman Gill keeps calm and lets his bat do the talking. Scores 100 to lead the highest run chase in play offs. 700 plus runs, strike rate of 164, MoM in do-or-die game. Gill comes back with a roar. Next is his first IPL final as captain. What a story.”

Gill's knock made it seem like an easy win for GT, as they also had eight balls to spare in the run chase. But it wasn't an easy affair in the first innings as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi went berserk. The RR opener smacked 96 off 47 deliveries, and also hit eight fours and seven sixes, striking at 204.6.

But Sooryavanshi didn't receive support from his teammates as the top order crumbled. Yashasvi Jaiswal (1) and Dhruv Jurel (7) were dismissed cheaply. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja (45*) and Donovan Ferreira's (38*) did contribute, but the rest of the middle order batters departed cheaply. RR captain Riyan Parag departed for 11 off six balls. Meanwhile, Dasun Shanaka (3) and Jofra Archer (7) also failed with the bat.

Gill's knock was the culmination of a remarkable comeback story. He has also been facing criticism over his form and place in the shortest format of international cricket. Rather than letting the setback affect him, Gill responded in the best way possible. He slowly found his form this season, combining consistency with match-winning knocks. His knock vs RR showcased class, composure and ability to dominate attacks.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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