IPL 2022, PBKS vs GT: 3 best knocks of Shubman Gill against PBKS

Shubman Gill smashed a sparkling 84 in his last game against the Delhi Capitals (P.C.:iplt20.com)

Shubman Gill was earmarked by the Gujarat Titans (GT) as one of their most important players. The youngster was picked up alongside Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan in the draft before the IPL 2022 mega auction.

The 22-year-old has scored an impressive 1501 runs in 60 IPL games at a healthy average of 31.94. He didn't start the IPL 2022 season well enough as he was dismissed for a duck but came roaring back against the Delhi Capitals, smashing a blazing 84 to help GT win their second game on the bounce.

According to the IPL schedule, GT's next game will be against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Friday, an opponent Gill has enjoyed playing against. He has 225 runs and three half-centuries in just seven innings versus PBKS, a great average of 56.25.

On that note, let's take a look at Shubman Gill's three best knocks against PBKS:

#3 57(45), Match 46, IPL 2020

Very happy for @mandeeps12 specially more today cause this one for his father watching him from the heavens above 🙏🤲🏽 @henrygayle just like red wine 🍷 older he gets better he hits it out of the park 1000 sixes in t20 #legend #kxip turnin the table well played @RealShubmanGill

Shubman Gill grew into an important batter for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and one of his fine knocks against PBKS (the erstwhile Kings XI Punjab) came during the IPL 2020 encounter between the two IPL teams.

KKR were rocked early by PBKS as they were 10/3 inside the powerplay. However, Gill absorbed the pressure alongside skipper Eoin Morgan and stabilized the KKR innings. The youngster scored a fine 57 off 45 balls and some late hitting from Lockie Ferguson ensured that KKR posted a fighting total of 149/9.

Although PBKS coasted to the target easily, thanks to half-centuries from Mandeep Singh and Chris Gayle, the knock from Shubman Gill proved that he had come of age and was going to be a mainstay in KKR's top order.

Check out the most six in IPL here.

#2 57(47), Match 24, IPL 2020

Selfless act going for two when you have Russell still to come shows something more about Gill that just batting talent and that is team comes first. Another great knock. #IPL2020 #KKRvsKXIP

In the same season, Shubman Gill rescued KKR from a similar situation against the same opposition. This time too, KKR lost three early wickets. But with then-captain Dinesh Karthik, Gill added a crucial 82 runs for the fourth wicket.

Shubman Gill's patient 57 ensured that KKR posted a competitive total of 164/6 in their 20 overs. The total didn't seem to be enough at first as PBKS openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal got off to a fantastic start, adding 115 runs for the first wicket.

However, the KKR bowlers pulled things back dramatically. From a position where PBKS needed just 28 runs from 24 balls, they incredibly ended up falling short by two runs.

#1 65*(49), Match 52, IPL 2019

That's that from Mohali. The @KKRiders win by 7 wickets with 2 overs to spare 👌💜

#KXIPvKKR https://t.co/2UMbc9tau6

Shubman Gill's best knock against PBKS was arguably in the 2019 season. Important contributions from Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran and a blistering half-century from Sam Curran ensured that PBKS got a competitive total of 183/6 in their 20 overs.

KKR needed a good start from their openers and that is exactly what was provided by Australian hard-hitter Chris Lynn. He smashed 46 off just 22 balls and dominated the powerplay. The likes of Robin Uthappa and Andre Russell also played handy cameos, but PBKS kept chipping away with wickets at regular intervals.

This is what made Gill's knock special as he ensured there was stability at one end. He scored 65* off just 49 balls and along with a fantastic 9-ball 21* by Dinesh Karthik, ensured that KKR were home with two overs to spare.