Can Shubman Gill Break Virat Kohli’s Record of 973 Runs in IPL?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most-watched cricket leagues globally, and it is no secret that players aim to set records and create history in this T20 tournament. In the 2016 edition of IPL, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli smashed 973 runs, a record that remains unbroken to this day. However, former Indian cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri believes that young rising star Shubman Gill has what it takes to break Kohli’s historic record. But is it possible for Gill to surpass Kohli’s remarkable feat? Let’s delve deeper and find out.

Kohli’s Record in IPL

Virat Kohli’s 973 runs in IPL 2016 came in just 16 matches, at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of over 152. He scored four centuries and seven half-centuries, making him the highest run-scorer in a single IPL season to date. It was an incredible achievement that seemed almost impossible to break. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and records are made to be broken.

Shubman Gill‘s Potential

Shubman Gill is a young Indian cricketer who plays for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023. He is known for his stylish batting technique and has already caught the attention of cricket experts and fans alike. During a question-and-answer session through #AskStar, Ravi Shastri picked Gill as the one with an ability to surpass Kohli’s record, stating that opening the batting helps immensely in scoring extra runs.

Opening Batsman Advantage

According to Shastri, opening batsmen have a better chance of breaking the record as they get two extra matches and two extra innings. This is because they face the new ball and have the opportunity to bat for longer periods. Gill’s current position as an opener in Gujarat Titans puts him in an advantageous position to chase Kohli’s record. He has already completed 2,000 runs in IPL, with his best season coming in 2022 when he scored 483 runs in 16 innings, playing a crucial role in Gujarat Titans’ maiden IPL victory.

Can Gill Break Kohli’s Record?

Breaking Kohli’s record of 973 runs in a single IPL season is a daunting task for any player. However, Shubman Gill’s recent performances and his batting potential make it possible for him to achieve this feat. The pitches in IPL are generally batsmen-friendly, and a few big innings can significantly boost a player’s chances of breaking records. If Gill can consistently score 80-100 runs in two or three innings, he can reach 300-400 runs in no time. However, the IPL is a highly competitive tournament, and the pressure to perform is immense. Gill will need to maintain his form and consistency throughout the season to break Kohli’s record.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s record of 973 runs in a single IPL season is a remarkable achievement that has remained unbroken for several years. However, Shubman Gill, with his current form and opening batsman position, has the potential to break this record. It will be a challenging task, but not an impossible one. If Gill can maintain his consistency and score big innings consistently, he can make history in IPL 2023.