Shubman has been a very consistent player for us: Rashid Khan

Shubman Gill slammed a brilliant hundred to propel Gujarat Titans over the line by six wickets in a 198-run chase to end the league stage of the competition with a clinical win against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, May 21. 

The home team were powered to 197 runs in the first innings courtesy off a record-breaking ton by Virat Kohli who smashed 101 off 61 deliveries. 

"I am so lucky to witness two brilliant hundreds today. Virat bhai and Shubman, the way they both played, was unbelievable. Shubman has been working very hard," said Rashid Khan in the post-match press conference.  

"He has the belief that he can convert his 50s and 60s into 100, and he has been a very consistent player for us since last year. Played a brilliant innings, and I am happy for him," he added. 

Naeem Amin, the Assistant Coach of the Titans also shared an update on the fitness of Hardik Pandya after the all-rounder skipped his bowling duties yet again against Bangalore due to a stiff back. 

"Hardik is fit, and there is nothing to worry about. He is just a bit still and will hopefully be ready and raring to go in the next game, " he said. 

With heavy showers in the afternoon that pretty much crippled Bangalore, the game was delayed by an hour due to wet conditions. However, the leg spinner credited the management for their clear message to the team ahead of the tournament. 

"I think it has been very clear to us from the management that you need to keep things very simple and not think about situations we do not have any control over."

"You just need to go out there and execute your skills because we have prepared well, and as soon as the game starts, we need to switch on. We wanted to go to the playoffs with positive energy and a good result," Rashid said on the mood in the camp during the delay. 

The 24-year-old was economical in his four-over spell and conceded 24 runs, including the prized scalp of Glenn Maxwell in a high-scoring affair. Speaking about his mindset in the shortest format, Rashid said, "I always have only one thing in mind and that is to keep bowling my best deliveries and keep bowling as many dot balls as possible.

"Every dot ball is a wicket in T20, especially these days when the batters are coming hard at you on good wickets and smaller boundaries," he concluded. 

Gujarat Titans will face Chennai Super Kings in the first Qualifier on Tuesday, May 23, at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.