'Privilege to closely watch Shubman Gill'

Gill is the leading run-scorer in this seasons' IPL. His last four innings have yielded three centuries, including Friday's 129 against the Mumbai Indians to push the Titans into the final.

"As we come to the completion of another incredible IPL season, I have been spending the last 10 weeks trying to understand those players who build performance consistency, at a high tempo, in this format of the game which requires a high degree of risk taking," said Kirsten, who is the Gujarat Titans' batting coach and mentor.

"I have had the privilege of closely watching Shubman Gill this season. He has looked in complete control of his shot making and at no stage has he looked like he was slogging or resorting to unorthodox shots.

"Gill's consistency arises from a technique that can manage the very best deliveries of any bowler and can also find boundaries on any slightly loose deliveries.

"He can access most areas in the field. He tends to stay away from the funky, high risk-shots behind the wicket that we see a lot of short-format batsmen playing these days."

The 23-year-old Gill has been capped at Test, ODI and T20I level since 2019's international debut. He has struck two centuries in Test cricket, four in ODIs and one at T20I level.

"From a coaching perspective it is wonderful to watch a player that has built a successful technique that can work in all three formats," added Kirsten.

"It still highlights the importance of young players learning how to play powerfully with a straight bat off the front foot and can pull and cut off the back foot."

The Titans are the reigning IPL champions. They beat the Rajasthan Royals in last year's final.