IPL 2023: Shubman Gill has all of the qualities of a world-class player, says Vikram Solanki

Ahmedabad, May 28 (IANS) Vikram Solanki, Director of Cricket at Gujarat Titans (GT) at the ongoing IPL 2023, has called opener Shubman Gill a "brilliant technician" and feels that the young batter has all of the qualities of a world-class player.

In the IPL 2023, Gill stands out as the top scorer, having accumulated 851 runs at an impressive average of 60.79 and a strike rate of 156.43 across 16 matches. This exceptional season for the 23-year-old includes three centuries and four half-centuries.

The opener played a match-winning innings of 129 runs in the IPL 2023 Qualifier 2 against the Mumbai Indians on Friday. His 129 came off only 60 deliveries and took Titans to our highest-ever total in IPL 2023 and single-handedly propelled his side to the second successive IPL final.

"For a young man, he is quite a brilliant technician. He is one of the examples you would like to give young players about how to bat. He has all of the qualities of a world-class player and he is showing the skill level this season. Fortunately for us, he is in good form, but what you might not see is how hard he works in training.

He is very conscious about the opposition he faces, seeking opportunities to gain an advantage. For somebody so young to show so many qualities is commendable," Solanki said about the 23-year-old," Solanki said in the press conference ahead of the final.

Defending champions Gujarat are all set for a summit clash against four-time champion Chennai Super Kings at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both these teams contested twice this season and will now play on Sunday in what promises to be a high-octane finale.

Solanki, however, feels that the final match should be approached the same way as they have approached the other 16 matches so far this season.

"The final is no different to any other games we play. It was the same approach we used last year and we continue that this season as well," he said.

"We have to turn around quickly, there's a short practice session now and we also have to let the guys take in this moment. We have to ensure they get some rest and recover, we're mindful of that for the whole group to make sure we're well prepared," he added.

The Titans defeated Rajasthan Royals in the last year's final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. There have been some pretty high-scoring fixtures this season at this venue and Solanki is hopeful of another good track being prepared for Sunday.

"We have played on this ground multiple times, we are confident it'll be a good pitch. It has been for most of the games this season and the runs scored this season makes it evident. It has also given our bowlers the opportunity to pick wickets whenever we bowled well. I'm sure it'll make for a brilliant final," the Gujarat Titans' Director of Cricket said.

GT bowlers have taken the top three spots in the Purple Cap race this year and it is the first time in the tournament three bowlers from the same team have occupied the top spots.

Mohammad Shami (28 wickets) and Rashid Khan (27 wickets) have been leading the way currently and after a spectacular five-fer against MI in Qualifier 2, Mohit Sharma jumped to the third spot with 24 wickets.

The likes of Noor Ahmad, Joshua Little and skipper Hardik Pandya have provided some crucial wickets as well. Solanki reserved some special praise for the bowling attack, who have been in top form this season.

"If you look at the tournament, the Impact Player rule has had a bearing on the number of batters that are playing, therefore, wicket-taking becomes all the more important. We always look to attack and pick wickets through different conditions and different phases of the game. The bowlers have worked really hard and they deserve all the praise coming their way," Solanki explained.

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