Is GT's Top-Three the Best Ever in IPL History?

Gujarat Titans (GT) have been taking over the headlines in IPL 2025 with their top-three batsmen—Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler—tanking the tournament so far. Out of a total of 51 games, the trio has been the forte behind the success of GT. Their unprecedented trio has left everyone speculating whether this is the best top-three partnership ever in the history of an IPL season. Their runs and contribution towards team run scoring cannot be ignored. The three of them feature within the top four of the IPL 2025 run tally so far. Together, the three of them have added almost 76% of the team's runs, as Sudharsan has topped the charts with 504 runs, Buttler coming in second with 470 runs, and Gill having 465 runs. This kind of performance is difficult to surpass as no other team in the 18-year IPL history has ever had a top order as explosive.

GT's top three are best enjoyed with numbers. Their combined average of 57.56 is the highest by any team in an IPL season, second only to RCB in 2016 with 51.26. These numbers show how well the three have performed, supporting GT in starting each match strongly. This is no ordinary feat and brings them one step closer to being IPL's best top-three. Even Suryakumar Yadav at position two on the run chart has played one more game than them, but GT's three have overwhelmed him with sheer consistency and collaboration.

Out of the 156 top-order team totals by teams in IPL history, just two have achieved more than a 50-per-match average, and GT is one of them. GT's top order this season has a strike rate of 161.32, which ranks at an unbelievable sixth among all franchises, and also possesses the lowest dot-ball percentage at a paltry 26.2%. These figures represent a smooth run flow with little time spent idling. This high frequency of powerplay overs, especially in the powerplay, has been responsible for their success. GT has accumulated a whopping 95.66 runs per wicket during the powerplay, the highest in the history of IPL.

Their task in maintaining the attack during the middle overs has been outstanding as well. The side averages 63.71 runs per wicket between overs 7 and 15, a record. At 9.91 run rate during these overs, GT is breaking new records in how one must conquer the middle phase of a T20 game. They have outplayed all others equally, including 2023's CSK, who were renowned for their consistency. GT's incredible tendency to continue scoring at a prolific rate even while on powerplay makes them look different from all the others.

Analyzing the individual contribution of the top three, all three have done something different. Buttler, explosive bat at all times, has hit at a rate of 78.33 in 10 matches in IPL 2025. He has played a pivotal role in setting the tone from the beginning and has ensured that GT had a good platform every time. Sudharsan, whose back-foot stroke play is unconventional, has been as much of a destructive force against pace as he has been against spin. His strike rate against both of them has been exemplary, and his stroke play from the back foot against fast bowling has been outstanding. Shubman Gill, who is an excellent front-foot player, has done exceptionally well in stabilizing the innings and being the stabilizer while his opening partners have made the incisions.

Having Sudharsan with Gill at the top was sheer brilliance. The left-hand and right-hand combination batting partnership has been a miracle for GT. Sudharsan's comfort with pace and spin help counter Gill's more orthodox style. Their different styles confuse the bowlers, and it becomes challenging to have a settled field or plan against them. Buttler, as destructive as he is at number three, adds another layer of firepower whenever he comes in, and his adaptability has been key to GT's success.

What makes GT's top three stand apart is that they possess the ability to adapt to various conditions and pressures. Whether it is a swing-friendly wicket or a flat pitch, these three have been able to perform in every situation. This flexibility, combined with their strike rates and capacity to score in all phases of the game, has made them a killer combination. Their IPL 2025 performances have also invited comparisons with some of the best top orders in IPL history, such as RCB's legendary top three in 2016 featuring Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. While RCB's trio was no laughing matter, GT's current top order seems to have a more even and balanced approach.

GT's approach of picking Buttler through the auction and building a ominous top three has worked magic. With Gill already being the big gun of the past seasons and Sudharsan also making an immediate impression, the three have blended well. Although a few might have raised doubts on the effect of two right-handers such as Gill and Buttler at the top order, the success of the same cannot be questioned. It has proved that at times the most effective pairings are those with the capacity for controlling both ends of the ground.

Overall, GT's initial trio of Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler in IPL 2025 have set new standards for flexibility, consistency, and finishing power at the top order. It is not just about their individual class but also how well they complement each other. With time, it remains to be seen whether any other team can match them in terms of dominance. For now, however, GT's top three look like one of the best ever seen in IPL history.