Chasing 215 at the PCA New Chandigarh Stadium on Friday, Gujarat rode on Gill\u2019s magnificent 104 off 53 balls and Sudharsan\u2019s 58 off 32 deliveries to reach 219\/3 with eight balls to spare and book a place in the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The opening pair added a match-defining 167 runs, Gujarat\u2019s highest opening partnership in the playoffs, effectively taking the game away from Rajasthan after they had posted 214\/6 thanks largely to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi\u2019s 96 and late fireworks from Donovan Ferreira.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the chase, Sudharsan said the Titans never allowed the scoreboard pressure to affect their approach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTo be honest, we were not looking at the score. We were just playing, taking ball by ball. And we kept it very simple, to be honest. We just had every-ball process, and we kept on doing that, and to be honest, Shubhman just took the game away. The way he played, it was just unbelievable. So, credit to Shubhman,\u201d Sudharsan said in a video released by IPL on X. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gill\u2019s fifth IPL century was the centrepiece of Gujarat\u2019s chase as he struck 15 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of nearly 200. Sudharsan complemented him perfectly before being dismissed in bizarre fashion, becoming hit wicket for the second successive match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The left-hander also shed light on the animated celebrations and chemistry shared between him and Gill during partnerships.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI feel it\u2019s a way of bringing up energy for us when we have a very good over or a very good shot, whether he played or I played. I think it just comes so natural, and I enjoy it so much,\u201d He said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe try and play an orthodox cricketing shot which doesn\u2019t have a lot of risks, so that we are able to replicate it as many times as possible. And we try to be, you know, just being a bit unpredictable,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The victory has set up a blockbuster title clash against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. While acknowledging the enormous support RCB are likely to enjoy, Sudharsan insisted Gujarat would focus on controlling what they can.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll mentally prep for the game and try and believe and trust ourselves and the teammates on how we can go about the game and how we can keep the game as normal as possible rather than thinking it as an occasion or an IPL final,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sudharsan also expects RCB\u2019s passionate fanbase to make its presence felt in Ahmedabad, just as it did when the two teams met earlier this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cRCB, on a more serious note, they carry the weight of a wonderful tribe of their own fan following as well. We saw that when we played against them in Gujarat the last time. I think, yeah, I think it definitely makes a factor because it\u2019s all energies where, you know, yeah, definitely they will have a great fan following in Ahmedabad as well,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sudharsan also expects RCB\u2019s passionate fanbase to make its presence felt in Ahmedabad, just as it did when the two teams met earlier this season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After finishing among the top two teams in the league stage and overcoming Rajasthan in Qualifier 2, Gujarat now have the opportunity to lift their second IPL trophy when they face RCB in Ahmedabad on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n