Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) created history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by securing their second IPL crown with a commanding five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. For GT, it was a great setback because ahead of the final, much of the spotlight was on Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill, who had headed into the title clash in sublime form after firing a sensational century in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals.
His remarkable knock had fuelled expectations that he would lead from the front and guide GT to the trophy. However, Gill was unable to make a powerful impact in the final and departed after contributing 10 runs from eight deliveries. He was taken out by Josh Hazlewood. Following the match, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar shared his thoughts on Gill’s short innings.
Gavaskar pointed out that high-pressure matches demand patience and careful shot selection, particularly from top-order batters. According to Gavaskar, Gill appeared eager to maintain the attacking approach that had played a big role in getting him success earlier in the tournament.
"The way Shubman batted in the last match, they had hit Jofra Archer for 19 runs in the first over, there too he was going down the pitch and hitting. I feel he wanted to play like that against Hazlewood as well, but when Hazlewood uses his wrist, the ball bounces a little more," Gavaskar said on JioHotstar.
"Many times, the batters feel the length is short, but it's short of good length, from where it's not easy to play the pull shot. He played the same shot very well against Jofra Archer two days ago. It happens at times. He got out of his first mistake. Sometimes, you are lucky, catches are dropped, or the ball falls as the fielders aren't close," Gavaskar added.
Barring the setback in the final, Gill enjoyed a successful season with the bat, cracking 732 runs from 16 matches.