Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill seal dominant win as Gujarat Titans storm into IPL playoffs

Resuming after a brief hiatus caused by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the IPL returned with a bang, serving up two completed fixtures in a dramatic restart. With peace restored and the tournament back on track, Gujarat took center stage-and made a statement.

Sudharsan, playing as an impact substitute, was in sublime touch as he crafted a magnificent unbeaten 108, while skipper Gill anchored the innings with a fluent 93 not out. The duo's unbroken 200-run stand, chasing a formidable 200-run target, sent Gujarat back to the top of the points table and cemented their spot in the playoffs.

Their dominant display also had ripple effects as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings punched their tickets to the playoffs too, with Punjab earlier dispatching Rajasthan Royals in a crucial encounter.

Delhi had posted what seemed a challenging total of 199-3, thanks largely to KL Rahul's majestic 112 not out. Promoted to open, Rahul brought up his fifth IPL century with authority, striking 14 boundaries and four sixes. His partnerships with Abishek Porel (30 off 19) and later Tristan Stubbs (21 not out off 10) gave Delhi a late boost, including 16 runs off the final over from Mohammed Siraj.

But that momentum proved short-lived.

Sudharsan wasted no time, smashing 25 off his first nine deliveries and racing to his fifty with flair. Gill, initially watchful, shifted gears in the 13th over, dismantling Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera for 19 runs. From there, it was a masterclass in calculated aggression. Sudharsan brought up his second IPL ton in style and sealed the win with a towering six-capping a near-perfect chase with an over to spare.

The defeat leaves Delhi, along with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, scrambling for the one remaining playoff berth.

With the tournament's schedule reshuffled due to the interruption, the IPL final is now set for early June. If Sunday's fireworks are any indication, fans can expect more high-stakes drama in the weeks ahead.

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