Virat Kohli’s masterclass put RCB in the driving seat, but Shubman Gill had other plans—delivering a century that not only won the match but knocked Bangalore out of the playoffs
In the tapestry of cricket, the IPL always paints a vivid picture of drama and thrill. On the 21st of May, 2023, the atmosphere crackled with excitement, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown. The Royal Challengers Bangaluru found themselves at a pivotal moment; a victory was vital to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Their star, Virat Kohli, embodying the spirit of a true champion, answered the call with remarkable determination, scoring his 7th IPL century. The air was electric as the Chinnaswamy crowd erupted in cheer, witnessing RCB secure a formidable score of 197 for 5.
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However, the game of cricket is often unyielding, and what happened next left the home supporters in stunned silence. In a display of brilliance, Shubman Gill, the young maestro of Indian batting, crafted a stunning inning of his own—an unbeaten 104 off just 52 deliveries. With elegance and poise, he orchestrated a chase that concluded with five balls remaining, etching yet another unforgettable chapter in the annals of IPL history.
Kohli’s unbeaten 101 off 61 balls was a display of resilience and class. He anchored the innings while wickets fell around him. His partnership with skipper Faf du Plessis (28) gave RCB a solid foundation, but the Gujarat Titans tightened their grip once that was broken. Rashid Khan’s brilliance (24/1), Noor Ahmad’s breakthroughs (39/2), and some sharp fielding left RCB struggling at 133/5 in the 15th over.
Kohli had to shift gears. During the death overs, he accelerated, scoring his second fifty in just 25 balls. However, his century was unconventional, featuring 13 fours and only 1 six, which made it the fourth IPL century with a single maximum. Despite his heroics, RCB’s total of 197 always seemed slightly below par.
If Kohli’s century was an act of defiance, Gill’s was a display of dominance. He took just 52 balls to reach his hundred—eight fewer than Kohli—and cleared the ropes effortlessly. He smashed 8 sixes compared to Kohli’s one and 5 fours, illustrating his power-hitting evolution.
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While Vijay Shankar (53) provided stability at the other end, Gill operated in a different zone. The pitch that appeared tricky for RCB batters played a different role for him. He found gaps at will, used his wrists exquisitely, and dismantled the spinners with clinical precision. Even as wickets fell, he remained composed. Fittingly, he brought up his century (104 off 52) and the winning runs with a six (198/4).
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Kohli’s 7th IPL century – the most by any Indian batter.
Gill’s 2nd consecutive century – making him only the second player after Shikhar Dhawan (2020) to achieve this in an IPL season.
104 off 52 Balls* – Gill’s fastest IPL century ever.
RCB knocked out – Kohli’s unbeaten hundred became only the second in IPL history to come in a losing cause (after KL Rahul’s 132* in 2020).
Mumbai Indians’ playoff lifeline – Gill’s innings not only won the match for Gujarat Titans but also secured MI a spot in the playoffs.
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Kohli walked off unbeaten yet wore a look of disbelief. He had done everything he could, but it wasn’t enough. Gill, meanwhile, not only outshone him but also delivered the knockout punch. It was a night of two masterful innings, but only one could indeed be celebrated. That honour belonged to Shubman Gill.
