GT defeat RCB : The league stage of IPL 2023 reached its thrilling climax with an intense encounter between the Gujarat Titans and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
This high-stakes match saw the Titans secure a remarkable six-wicket victory, knocking RCB out of the playoffs race. The standout performance of the match came from Shubman Gill, whose sensational century proved to be the game-changer. Let’s delve into the chronological details of this captivating contest.
Delayed Start and Kohli’s Brilliance
The match began on an unusual note as rain delayed the start, pushing it to the brink of losing overs. Eventually, the match got underway, and RCB, after losing the toss, was asked to bat first by Gujarat Titans’ captain, Hardik Pandya. RCB’s openers, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, continued their dominating form with a solid 67-run partnership.
We’ve set a very competitive score thanks to the brilliance of Virat Kohli! 🙌
Enough to get us Kohli-fied? Our bowlers will answer that in just a bit. 👊#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 #RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/c4fSh6Fd00
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 21, 2023
They played aggressively, even taking the experienced bowler Mohammed Shami for runs. Kohli, in particular, showcased his exceptional batting skills and led the charge for his team.
Shubman Gill Responds with a Double Century
In the face of Kohli’s brilliance, the Gujarat Titans needed a strong response. Shubman Gill, who had scored a century in his previous match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, was determined to make his mark once again. He partnered with Vijay Shankar for a crucial second-wicket stand of 123 runs, which proved instrumental in the Titans’ chase. Gill looked in a league of his own, displaying incredible strokeplay and taking advantage of the small boundaries at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Same, Same, 𝐍𝐎𝐓 Different! 💙@ShubmanGill | #PhariAavaDe | #TATAIPL Playoffs pic.twitter.com/GZOHk7bD36
— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 22, 2023
His timing and power were on full display as he effortlessly dispatched the RCB bowlers to all parts of the ground. Gill’s innings were marked by aggressive shots, including short-arm jabs that sailed over the ropes for sixes. He continued his impressive form and reached his century in just 52 balls, taking eight balls fewer than Kohli did for his century.
Shankar’s Contribution and RCB’s Struggles
While Gill was the main protagonist, Vijay Shankar played a crucial supporting role in the Titans’ chase. Shankar’s 35-ball 53 ensured the momentum remained firmly in the Titans’ favour. He provided valuable support to Gill, taking calculated risks and capitalising on the loose deliveries. Despite surviving a few close calls, Shankar managed to build a solid partnership with Gill. On the other hand, RCB faced challenges with their batting lineup.
Apart from Kohli, who fought valiantly, the other batsmen struggled to convert their starts into big scores. Anuj Rawat, Michael Bracewell, and Faf du Plessis all showed promise but failed to make significant contributions. The lack of big hitters down the order became evident as RCB found themselves in a precarious position.
Titans Seal the Win
With the target set at 198, the Gujarat Titans approached the chase with determination and skill. Gill and Shankar’s partnership ensured that the Titans remained on course. Even though Shankar departed after a well-made half-century, the Titans continued to dominate the proceedings.
The responsibility of taking the team over the finish line fell on Gill’s shoulders. Despite facing only 12 balls in the last six overs, Gill managed to score 33 runs, guiding the Titans to a comfortable victory with five balls to spare. His unbeaten knock of 104 was an exceptional display of batting prowess.
Top Records and Stats
The match between RCB and the Titans witnessed several records being broken, adding to the excitement of the game. Here are some notable records and statistics from the match:
- Virat Kohli surpassed Chris Gayle’s record for the most centuries by a batter in IPL. Kohli’s seventh century propelled him ahead of Gayle in this prestigious category.
- Kohli also set a new record for the most IPL centuries by a batter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. His fourth century at this venue further solidified his remarkable batting legacy.
- The partnership between Kohli and Faf du Plessis established a new record for the most 50+ partnerships in an IPL season. Their eighth 50+ stand in IPL 2023 surpassed the previous record held by various notable duos.
- Shubman Gill joined the elite club of batters who have scored back-to-back centuries in the IPL. His remarkable feat mirrored the achievements of Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and Gill himself in his previous innings.
- The Gujarat Titans’ victory ensured their tenth win of the season, highlighting their impressive campaign and confirming their place in the playoffs.
The clash between RCB and the Titans showcased the sheer talent and competitive spirit of the IPL. Shubman Gill’s extraordinary century, coupled with Kohli’s masterclass, made this match a truly memorable affair.
Titans Dominate, CSK Secure Second Spot, Mumbai Indians in Playoffs
The Gujarat Titans concluded the league stage with an impressive tally of 20 points, securing their position as the table-toppers. Following closely behind were the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with 17 points, edging out the Lucknow Super Giants based on a superior net run rate.
The Mumbai Indians, with their commanding eight-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), solidified their place in the top four with 16 points.
Bottom Line
GT defeat RCB: The Gujarat Titans’ victory over RCB proved to be a turning point in the IPL 2023 league stage. Shubman Gill’s sensational century, combined with Vijay Shankar’s vital contributions, propelled the Titans to a resounding win and dashed RCB’s hopes of making it to the playoffs.
This match will be remembered for the incredible batting performances, record-breaking achievements, and the intensity with which both teams fought for victory. As the IPL playoffs approach, the Titans will carry the momentum of this victory, while RCB will reflect on their journey and strive for a stronger campaign in the future.
