Gill: Physically RCB might have advantage, but finals are all about mental strength

The Road to the Final

The Gujarat Titans (GT) face an arduous task heading into Sunday’s IPL final in Ahmedabad. Playing their third match at a third different venue in just six days is a logistical challenge that few teams have to endure. Despite the fatigue, captain Shubman Gill remains composed, even as he acknowledges that their opponents, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), enter the contest with a significant recovery edge.

While the scheduling of this year’s IPL knockout stages has been scrutinized for favoring the winner of Qualifier 1, Gill refuses to let travel woes become an excuse. Reflecting on the journey from Dharamsala, he emphasized that at this level, physical tiredness often takes a backseat to psychological readiness. As he put it, Gill: Physically RCB might have advantage, but finals are all about mental strength, meaning the team that maintains focus and composure under the immense pressure of a final is the one most likely to emerge victorious.

The Ahmedabad Advantage

Returning to Ahmedabad brings a sense of comfort for the Titans. The squad has enjoyed considerable success at the Narendra Modi Stadium, winning five of their seven matches there this season. With two wins in three knockout games at this venue, including their triumph in the 2022 final, the team is intimately familiar with the conditions.

Gill dismisses the idea that the expectation to perform at home is a burden. Instead, he views it as a strategic asset. The familiarity with the pitch, the boundary dimensions, and the general atmosphere allows the team to play with a clear game plan. For Gill, whose personal record in Ahmedabad is formidable—averaging 54 and scoring roughly 25% of his T20 runs there—the venue feels like home ground in every sense of the word.

Tactical Precision and Bowling Philosophy

A key pillar of GT’s success has been their disciplined bowling strategy, led by the new-ball duo of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj. Unlike many modern T20 teams that rely heavily on slower-ball variations and cutters during the powerplay, GT has found immense value in hitting a ‘Test-match’ good length. Gill explains that this length is the most difficult for a batsman to negotiate, though he acknowledges that ‘good length’ is a moving target that changes based on the soil type and grass coverage of the pitch.

Their versatility was on full display in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals, where the bowling attack expertly utilized bouncers on a two-paced track. The accuracy with which Rabada and Siraj executed these short balls was noted as being among the most precise performances in recent memory.

A Culture of Consistency

Beyond the tactics and the individual brilliance of players like B Sai Sudharsan—who has transitioned from a local talent to a core member of the squad—lies a strong organizational culture. Cricket expert Tom Moody has praised the stability provided by the coaching staff, including Ashish Nehra and director Vikram Solanki. By fostering an environment where the team is held in higher regard than any individual, the Titans have managed to reach three finals in four seasons.

Gill’s personal development has mirrored this team-first ethos. Despite the disappointment of being left out of the T20 World Cup squad earlier this year, his response has been one of relentless self-improvement. Whether in the powerplay or the middle overs, his intent has shifted toward higher-volume scoring. As he continues to hone his craft across all formats, his leadership on the field will be the cornerstone for the Titans as they look to secure yet another title in front of their home crowd.

Looking Ahead

The clash against RCB promises to be a battle of styles. While RCB may be refreshed, the Titans are battle-hardened and strategically settled. As the final approaches, the narrative remains clear: the physical grind of the tournament is significant, but the mental battle in Ahmedabad will ultimately determine the champion. For Shubman Gill and his squad, the goal is simple—execute the plan, maintain the intensity, and lean on the tactical clarity that has defined their journey to the final.