Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill and his opening partner Sai Sudharsan geared up calmly – pads strapped, gloves on – before stepping out to open against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday. What followed, however, was anything but quiet.The duo put on a commanding 128-run opening stand, laying the foundation for a dominant start. It marked Gujarat Titans’ highest partnership against RCB for any wicket. Sudharsan was the star of the show, bringing up a brilliant century before falling to Josh Hazlewood. His 100 off just 58 balls was laced with 11 fours and 5 sixes, striking at an impressive 172.41. At the other end, Gill played the perfect supporting role. He scored a patient 32 off 24 balls, rotating strike and allowing Sudharsan to dominate the scoring. Gill struck two fours and a six before being dismissed by Suyash Sharma.In IPL history, RCB hold the unwanted record of conceding the most individual centuries (15), followed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians with 14 each. Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have conceded 11 tons, while Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings follow with 10 each.Most individual centuries conceded by a team in IPL15 – RCB*14 – KKR14 – MI11 – CSK, SRH10 – RR, PBKSAmong batting pairs, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers lead with 10 century stands, ahead of Kohli and Chris Gayle (9). The duo of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill are close behind with eight century partnerships.Most centuries stand in the IPL (any wkt)10 – Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers9 – Virat Kohli & Chris Gayle8 – Sai Sudharsan & Shubman Gill
