IPL 2023 [Twitter reactions]: Shubman Gill shines in GT’s thrilling win over CSK in the tournament opener

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 started with a blockbuster clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where the Hardik Pandya-led side registered a thrilling victory at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Put in to bat, the Super Kings managed to post 178/7 in their allotted 20 overs. CSK’s batting performance was highlighted by a blistering knock from opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, who smashed 92 runs off just 50 balls, including 4 fours and 9 sixes. However, the rest of the team struggled to score freely, and the excellent bowling from Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan kept them in check.

In the chase, the Titans got off to a solid start, with openers Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill putting on a quickfire partnership of 37 runs in just 3.5 overs. Gill was particularly impressive, smashing 63 runs off 36 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. Sai Sudharsan and Vijay Shankar also chipped in with valuable contributions of 22 and 27 as the Titans chased down the target with 4 balls to spare.

“We were slightly short. Another 15-20 runs would have been good. We could have batted properly in the middle overs as opposed to trying to muscle the ball. Rutu is a pleasure to watch. We can’t afford to bowl no-balls. That is something in our control,” said CSK skipper MS Dhoni after the game.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Same team losing the season opener of consecutive IPL seasons:
MI in 2014, 2015, 2016
MI in 2020, 2021
CSK in 2022, 2023#GTvCSK
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) March 31, 2023

Brilliant come back by GT in the last 6 overs. #cskvsgt
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 31, 2023

Gujarat vs Chennai in IPL:
– Gujarat won
– Gujarat won
– Gujarat won
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 31, 2023

Two outstanding, stylish batters are putting on a show today. Both Gaikwad and Gill are so easy on the eye, so graceful, they make watching cricket so much fun.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 31, 2023

Gujarat Titans beat Chennai Super Kings in the tournament opener | 📝 https://t.co/yVrzJP0ovp #ipl #ipl2023 #IPLT20 #GTvCSK #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/JvUFR7efpx
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 31, 2023

Given his form, confidence, growing stature and just the general context of his season so far… this could be Shubman Gill's IPL.
Fine start too! #IPL2023 #GTvCSK
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) March 31, 2023

Don’t lose heart! 💛#GTvCSK #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁 pic.twitter.com/j89rmhckUj
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 31, 2023

I know there is a match that needs to be decided here but all I am thinking of right now is Ruturaj Ns Shubhman opening the batting for India sometime soon.
— cricBC (@cricBC) March 31, 2023

What a brilliant innings from Ruturaj Gaikwad, not convinced ball tracker had that right! #IPLonStar @IPL
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) March 31, 2023

The thing about Tewatia is “Der aaye durust aaye” #IPLonJioCinema #GTvsCSK
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) March 31, 2023

Ruturaj Gaekwad and Shubman Gill- story of the opening night. Whoever wins the future stars of Indian cricket have lit up the inaugural fixture. @RevSportz #CSKvGT
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) March 31, 2023