Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan Best Ever IPL Batting Pair: Suresh Raina on GT Batting Duo

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina hailed Gujarat Titans openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan as the best batting pair in IPL history ahead of the GT Qualifier 1 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Raina praised the duo’s consistency, game awareness and ability to build partnerships at a pace unmatched by any other opening pair in IPL history.

Gill and Sudharsan have once again been the backbone of Gujarat Titans’ batting in IPL 2026, continuing the dominance they showed last season. The pair recently entered the elite T20 list after registering their joint 10th century partnership, equaling legendary combinations like Virat Kohli-Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli-AB de Villiers and Babar Azam-Mohammad Rizwan.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Champions Waali Commentary’, Raina explained why he believes the GT duo now stands above every other opening pair the IPL has seen.

“Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are the best batting pair in the history of TATA IPL. In 46 innings they have put together 21 partnerships of 50 or more runs,” said Raina.

“The next best pair is Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, followed by AB de Villiers and Kohli at number three. This shows the quality of Gill and Sai. They complement each other very well in the game. The standout is that they hit 21 fifty-plus stands in just 46 innings – the fastest in IPL history. Gayle and Kohli got to 59 and BD Kohli needed 59 innings.”

WHY GILL AND SUDHARSAN STAND OUT

Raina particularly highlighted the duo’s ability to control the innings without relying too much on risky moves, which has made the Gujarat Titans one of the most consistent batsmen in the tournament.

“Gill and Sudharsan’s consistency as an opening pair is remarkable. They take time to build their innings, keep the balls to a minimum and complement each other perfectly,” said Raina.

“They pick the right bowlers to target. One uses the pace of the bowler while the other uses the angle to create space for his strikes.”

The former CSK batsman also pointed to their fitness and awareness of the game as the main reasons behind their success this season.

“Both are extremely fit and their game awareness is outstanding. They know which shots to play and when to attack. The biggest strength is how consistently they score runs. No other batting pair in the IPL this season has matched their level of consistency,” he added.

GT OPENERS READY FOR RCB QUALIFYING TEST 1

Gill and Sudharsan have already crossed the 600-run mark individually this season and have consistently given Gujarat strong starts during IPL 2026.

Former India pacer Umesh Yadav also praised the pair for taking no unnecessary risks in the overs.

“We have seen how well these two batsmen handle the power play. They don’t go for high-risk shots. They bat so smoothly that you feel the runs are not coming,” Umesh said.

“But when the power play ends, you suddenly notice that they’ve already put 60 on the board. That’s their class. They play to their strengths and to the nature of the pitch.”

The pair will once again carry the batting hopes of Gujarat Titans when they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1, with a direct spot in the IPL 2026 finals at stake.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

May 25, 2026 5:26 PM IST

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