Virat-AB’s 9-Year Record Under Threat From Shubman Gill & Sai Sudarshan

The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League has seen the rise of a dominant opening pair – Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan – who are on the cusp of breaking one of the most iconic records in IPL history, held by Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers since 2016.

Gill and Sudarshan have been the backbone of Gujarat Titans’ batting success this season. Together, they’ve scored 839 runs in 12 innings, with an impressive average partnership of 76.27. Their standout performances include three century partnerships and four fifty-run stands, with their highest being a 205-run partnership.

Chasing History

The record for the most runs by a pair in a single IPL season is currently 939 runs, set by Kohli and de Villiers for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016. With just 101 runs to go, Gill and Sudarshan are within striking distance of overtaking this monumental feat.

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Individual Performances

Sai Sudarshan leads the Orange Cap race with 617 runs in 12 matches, averaging 56.09. His tally includes 1 century and 5 half-centuries.

Shubman Gill is in similarly fine form, having scored 601 runs at an average of 60.10, including 6 half-centuries.

Next Opportunity: 22 May vs Lucknow

Gujarat Titans will face Lucknow Super Giants on 22 May in their final league match. If Gill and Sudarshan continue their form, they are well placed to break the 9-year-old record and etch their names in IPL history.

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Although Gujarat has qualified for the playoffs, this match is still vital for Shubman Gill’s side.

Gujarat Titans sits at the top of the table with 18 points. While qualification is sealed, their focus has now shifted to finishing in the top two. This would give them a second chance to reach the final, even if they lose Qualifier 1.