TATA IPL 2024 saw moments of teamwork and also individual brilliance push the team ahead. There were some truly brilliant knocks that stood out for us. From exhilarating displays of hitting, to controlled aggression when needed, the clear intent was always to bat for the team’s cause.

Here’s a look at our top five batting performances of the season. 

• Shubman Gill (104 runs off 55 balls) vs Chennai Super Kings

Topping the list is our captain! His scintillating batting was on show against the Chennai Super Kings at our home ground. Gill was on song right from the start, hitting a boundary to set the tone of the innings. What followed was glorious carnage. 

We saw an incredible display of T20 batting from our captain, which helped us post a total of 231 runs on the board. Gill scored his fourth IPL century in this game, amassing 104 runs off just 55 balls. His innings had nine fours and six sixes and came at a devastating strike rate of 189. Gill pulled out his trademark celebratory bow as soon as he reached the three-figure mark. It was indeed a treat to the eyes for the Titans fans who were waiting to see a Shubman Special.

• Sai Sudharsan (103 runs off 51 balls) vs Chennai Super Kings

While Gill was hammering it at one end, Sudharsa was tonking it at the other. The 210-run opening stand between the two showcased the perfect blend of aggression and stability. SaiSu, who was promoted up the order once again to open the innings, took on the new challenge.

His penchant for orthodox hitting was on display as he found gaps with ease. His maiden IPL century was a treat to watch!

The stylish southpaw finished with 103 runs off 51 balls, which included 5 fours and 7 sixes. He batted with a strike rate of 201.96 during this knock. In the process, he also became the fastest Indian batter to reach the 1000-run landmark in IPL. It only took him 25 innings to get there. In doing so, he surpassed the great Sachin Tendulkar who took 31 innings.

• David Miller (55 runs off 23 balls) vs Delhi Capitals

Agent Miller was in red-hot form in our game against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 24. Chasing 225 runs, Miller looked steady from the word go. He was middling every ball efficiently and brought us close to a then-record IPL run-chase.

Coming in to bat during the middle overs with the team still needing 127 runs to win from 53 balls, Miller brought about absolute carnage. He scored a quickfire 55 runs off 23 balls, which included 6 fours and 3 sixes. Miller batted with a strike rate of 239.13. 

• Shahrukh Khan (58 runs off 30 balls) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Shahrukh Khan had a debut season with us to remember. He played a crucial role in resurrecting our innings after we lost early wickets against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home.. 

Shahrukh came in at a time when the team needed someone to accelerate the scoring, and he did just that. Striking a whirlwind 58 runs off just 30 balls, his innings included five sixes and three fours. His fearless batting took the pressure off his partner, Sai Sudharsan, and propelled us towards a total of 200 runs after 20 overs. This knock marked his maiden IPL fifty, a significant milestone for our batter.  

• Rahul Tewatia (36* off 18 balls) vs Punjab Kings

If it’s a match-turning knock against Punjab Kings, it has to be Rahul Tewatia playing it! Rahul bhai was back at it against his favourite IPL opponents, once again swinging the chase in our favour with a typically ferocious innings.

Chasing a modest target of 143, we were in a spot of bother at 103 for 5 in the 16th over. With 38 needed off the final four overs, Tewatia cut loose. Despite wickets falling at the other end, he was typically calm and composed while still managing to find the boundary at will. 

He finished unbeaten on 36 off just 18 balls with 7 boundaries as we won the game in the final over.

• Rashid Khan (24* off 11 balls) vs Rajasthan Royals

We saw another Rashid bhai classic during our trip to Jaipur this season. His presence down the order was felt once again as he delivered a last-ball finish. 

Though Rashid’s ability to score quickly is known by now, he never fails to impress with his temperament as a batsman. Coming on to bat with our team needing a daunting 40 runs from just 15 balls, Rashid bhai pulled out some of his signature shots and took the Rajasthan Royals bowlers on. 

His unbeaten 24 runs came off just 11 balls and helped us chase a total of 197. His innings included four fours and came at a strike rate of 218. When the team needed two runs off the final ball, Rashid guided the ball to the deep point region for four. Thanks to Rashid bhai’s heroics, we were back to winning ways yet again. 

Battle-ready Batters

With more than 2000 runs scored overall, the Gujarat Titans batters showcased many moments of brilliance on the field. Right from the openers, who were part of a record-equalling partnership, to the finishers who stole victory from impossible-looking situations, they were on the money when the team needed them. As the preparation for the T20 World Cup begins, the Titans FAM will get to see some of these big-hitters in action soon.