Tom Moody Praises Gujarat Titans' Dynamic Opening Pair in IPL 2023
Gujarat Titans' Stellar Opening Partnership
In New Delhi, former Australian cricketer and experienced coach Tom Moody has expressed admiration for the Gujarat Titans' opening duo, Sai Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill. He believes they have mastered the ability to adapt their batting styles effectively, enabling them to handle challenging situations with ease.
During a thrilling match in the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shubman (93*) and Sudharsan (108*) showcased their exceptional form despite the intense heat of Delhi. After the Delhi Capitals set a formidable target of 200 runs, the Titans' young pair dismantled their bowling attack with an impressive display of batting.
Both players have emerged as top performers across all franchises, each surpassing 600 runs this season. They devised a winning strategy and executed it flawlessly, leading the Titans to a commanding 10-wicket victory and securing a playoff position.
Moody commented on their synergy as an opening pair, noting their deep understanding of each other's gameplay. He highlighted how they complement one another, with one player supporting the other, especially when one gets off to a quick start. This partnership has been consistent throughout the season, showcasing their traditional batting skills.
While their batting appears effortless, it is also characterized by powerful hitting. The Titans' captain has accumulated 54 fours and 23 sixes this season, while Sudharsan has recorded 68 boundaries and 20 sixes.
Sudharsan leads the league in the number of fours hit, with only Rajasthan Royals' Yashasvi Jaiswal surpassing the Titans' captain in this statistic.
Moody emphasized the quality of this batting pair, stating that they possess the technique to endure tough situations and have developed the ability to accelerate their scoring. He noted that while they may have had limited gears in previous seasons, they now have the capability to shift through five gears.
The duo's combined score of 205 runs against the Delhi Capitals stands as their best performance this season, contributing to an impressive total of 839 runs together at an average of 76.27.
Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla also praised their ability to build pressure on bowlers by consistently turning good deliveries into singles, making their batting life easier. He noted that they capitalize on boundary opportunities without fail.