Why Could Shubman Gill Be GT's Game-Changer In Today's IPL 2025 Match vs KKR?

Debashis Sarangi

Shubman Gill in action [Source: AP]Shubman Gill in action [Source: AP]

After securing a memorable win over Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans (GT) will face Kolkata Knight Riders in a much-awaited IPL 2025 clash. The 39th group-stage game is all set to be played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Shubman Gill Seeks Renaissance In GT Vs KKR

GT skipper Shubman Gill hasn't been at his best in the IPL this season. The stylish opening batter has amassed 215 runs across seven outings at a modest average of 35..83. Although he struck blazing fifties against Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gill couldn't convert his starts into significant scores against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. 

Meanwhile, his brief stays against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals were nothing short of failures, as he managed 23 runs across these three innings combined. 

However, there are several reasons why Gill could be GT's top performer against KKR tonight, as mentioned below. 

Shubman Gill's Overall Record vs KKR Bowlers In IPL

Criterion
Data
Balls54
Runs86
Dismissals
2
Average43
Strike Rate159.3

(Gill vs Harshit, Vaibhav, Russell, Narine and Chakravarthy in IPL)

  • Shubman Gill has enjoyed his time against Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy in the IPL. 
  • As evidenced by the above stats, Gill has struck 86 runs against KKR's first-choice bowlers at a solid average of 43 and a blistering strike rate of 159.3. These numbers are much better than what he has registered in the IPL this season. 
  • Thus, Gill might dominate these bowlers in the GT vs KKR clash and regain his mojo in the IPL 2025 match tonight. 

Familiarity With Eden Gardens

Criterion
Data
Innings14
Runs419
Average38.09
Strike Rate144.48

(Shubman Gill's IPL Record at Eden Gardens)

  • Shubman Gill was a part of Kolkata Knight Riders before joining Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League. 
  • He has enjoyed playing on Eden Gardens' batting-friendly deck, scoring 419 runs in 14 appearances. While his average of 38.09 signifies his consistency, his strike rate of 144.48 suggests the ease at which he has scored at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 
  • Thus, Gill's familiarity with the Eden track could be beneficial for the Titans, as the right-handed batter aims to bounce back after a forgettable outing against DC in the previous game.