Shubman Gill thanks Indian armed forces following IPL 2025’s safe comeback: 'But the real heroes..'

Shubman Gill (Pic: AFP)

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill extended heartfelt appreciation to the Indian Armed Forces for enabling a successful resumption of the IPL 2025, which had been briefly suspended amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

Following Gujarat's emphatic 10-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, Gill took to Instagram to express his gratitude: "Cricket returns, but the real heroes never left their post. Heartfelt gratitude to our armed forces. Jai Hind."

Gill's Instagram story

The IPL had come to a temporary halt on May 9 due to escalating cross-border hostilities. The tournament resumed on Saturday with a scheduled clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, though rain forced a washout. GT's game against DC marked the first completed fixture post-resumption.

Gill led from the front, crafting a scintillating 93 off 53 deliveries', peppered with three fours and seven sixes, at a blazing strike rate of 175+. Partnering with the in-form Sai Sudharsan, who smashed an unbeaten 108 off 61 balls' (12 fours and 4 sixes), the duo stitched a massive 205-run opening stand, chasing down DC's competitive total of 199 with one over to spare.

With this knock, Gill solidified his position as the second-highest run-scorer in the Orange Cap race, amassing 601 runs in 12 innings at an average of 60.10 and a strike rate nearing 156, including six fifties and a personal best of 93 not out.

Earlier in the day, GT opted to bowl first after winning the toss. DC's innings was built around a 90-run partnership between KL Rahul and Abishek Porel. Contributions from Axar Patel (25 off 16) and Tristan Stubbs (21 off 10)' powered DC to a respectable 199/3. Bowlers Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshad Khan each claimed a wicket for Gujarat.

However, Delhi's bowlers failed to make any impact against the clinical Titans' opening duo. Sudharsan's brilliant ton earned him the Player of the Match award, as GT coasted home to a morale-boosting victory.

With this win, Gujarat Titans have officially sealed a playoff spot, now sitting with 18 points from nine wins in 12 matches. Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, remain in the playoff hunt but sit precariously in fifth place, with 13 points from six wins, five losses, and one no-result.

GT now join RCB and Punjab Kings as the three teams confirmed for the knockout stages.