In Match 59 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday (May 10), openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan carved out history with a record-equalling opening partnership in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The duo showcased exceptional batting prowess, each notching up centuries to propel their team to an imposing total.

Leading from the front, captain Gill blazed his way to a scintillating 104 off 55 deliveries, while his partner, Sudharsan, mirrored his brilliance with an impressive 103 off just 51 balls. Their phenomenal partnership was interrupted in the 18th over by Tushar Deshpandewho claimed both their wickets, finishing with figures of 2/33 in his four overs. David Miller‘s quickfire cameo of 16 runs off 11 balls provided the perfect finishing touch to Gujarat’s innings.

CSK bowlers’ challenge

This extraordinary batting display not only secured a commanding score of 231/3 for Gujarat but also etched their names in the IPL record books with their record-equalling opening stand. Daryl Mitchell bore the brunt of the onslaught, conceding 52 runs in his four overs, while Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner together leaked 60 runs in their 24 deliveries. While Shardul Thakur proved to be economical, giving away only 25 runs in his quota. However, Gujarat’s opening duo targeted the opposition bowlers relentlessly, dismantling them with their exceptional power-hitting skills.

Sai Sudharsan's milestone

During the innings, Sudharsan also achieved a significant milestone, becoming the fastest Indian player to reach 1000 runs in the IPL. He accomplished this feat in his 25th inning, trailing behind only international stalwarts like Shaun Marsh, Lendl Simmons and Matthew Hayden in this elite list. Sudharsan surpassed the previous joint-best record set by Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad (31 innings), establishing himself as the top-ranked Indian in this prestigious club.

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Shubman Gill’s brilliance

Meanwhile, Gill wasted no time in asserting his dominance, starting with a boundary and a six off Mitchell Santner‘s first over. He continued to find the boundaries effortlessly, matching Sudharsan’s aggressive approach. Gill reached his fifty with a splendid six and followed it up with a boundary in the 11th over, as he and Sudharsan plundered 23 runs off Simarjeet’s over. Though Gill slowed down momentarily, he exploded back into action with three massive sixes off Mitchell’s bowling in the 14th over.

Gill completed his century with a graceful boundary off just 50 balls, comprising nine boundaries and six sixes. Gill (104 off 55 balls) and Sudharsan (103 off 51 balls) matched the record set by Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) duo KL Rahul and Quinton de Kockwho combined for a 210-run opening partnership in the 2022 season against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the DY Patil Sports Academy Ground in Navi Mumbai.

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