'He has amazing work ethics, that’s why he is one of the best cricketers right now' - Vijay Shankar heaps praise on Titans teammate Shubman Gill

The Gujarat Titans opener Shubman Gill has set the IPL 2023 on fire with three hundreds to stake a claim on the IPL 2023 Orange Cap' with 851 runs so far this year. Gill smashed 129 runs from 60 balls with enchanting 10 sixes and seven fours, bringing Mumbai Indians under immense pressure while chasing a target of 234.

Mumbai Indians were bowled out for 171 in 18.2 overs as the defending champions defeated the five-time champions by 62 runs in Qualifier 2.

Shubman Gill, a promising young opener, has been batting efficiently. His teammate and defending champion Gujarat Titans (GT) all-rounder, Vijay Shankar, complimented the opener's ability to identify gaps during the powerplay. Gill has hit the joint-most sixes (33) in this IPL 2023. The 23-year-old has become the second Indian batter after Virat Kohli to hit three or more tons in a season.

He is one of the best cricketers right now: Shankar

“He has amazing work ethics, that’s why he is one of the best cricketers right now, he is hitting those sixes like he’s batting in Test cricket. The way he practices is something that’s important. Every practice session he goes out there and does what he wants, he practices with purpose. Every time he turns up for a game, it’s so lovely to see him switch on from ball one,” Shankar said during the post-match press conference after Qualifier 2.

“He is able to do both hit sixes and find the gaps in the powerplay, which I think is his biggest strength. He can hit those sixes, there was an innings where he scored 90 (101 against SRH) and had just one six. He has the ability to do both and he knows when to use what, which is a highlight of a top cricketer, he further added.

CSK reached the final after a 15-run victory over GT in Qualifier 1 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, while Titans, captained by Hardik Pandya, have reached their second final in a row after a 62-run triumph over the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. However, in the four matches among both teams thus far, GT hold the upper hand as they have won three games while CSK have only defeated Titans once.