Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, who seldom responds to social media trolling, defied convention by blasting those attempting to "tweet" his post on Shubman Gill. Ganguly praised Gill after the Gujarat Titans opener smashed his second century of the IPL 2023 to help the reigning champions chase down 198 in 19.1 overs and knock out the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

GT, who had already qualified for the playoffs as the top-ranked club, ruined RCB's party and let MI sneak through owing to Gill's brilliant hitting. Virat Kohli's 101 not out off 61 balls was overshadowed by the right-hander's undefeated 104 off 52 balls. In this version, this was Gill's second century. He had previously scored his first IPL century against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Ganguly, a noted Gill supporter, posted to Twitter after the GT versus RCB penultimate league-stage match to discuss the talent the league unearths. "What talent this country produces.. shubman gill.. wow.. two stunning knocks in two halves.. IPL... what standards in the tournament," commented the former BCCI president.

Fans, on the other hand, misinterpreted Ganguly's post, believing the former India skipper purposefully avoided mentioning Kohli's name. Many saw Ganguly's reference to "two centuries" as a compliment to MI all-rounder Cameron Green, who had also scored a century in the afternoon game on the same day.

After getting harsh criticism for not mentioning Kohli's name or discussing his century in the same match, Ganguly responded with a stinging tweet a few days later."Just a quick reminder.. hope those of you twisting this tweet, understand English.. if don't, please get someone responsible to explain," Ganguly said, emphasising that the two centuries portion was not for Gill, but rather for Gill's twin IPL hundreds this year.

The former India opener's clarification also made it clear that his tweet had nothing to do with Kohli.

Ganguly and Kohli have been pitted against each other ever since the latter stepped down as India's Test captain. This happened after Kohli was removed as ODI captain. Ganguly was the BCCI president then and Kohli after stepping down as captain said the board and selectors did not have proper communication with him.

Former India head of selectors Chetan Sharma, however, denied this in a sting operation done by Zed News and discussed the various views of Kohli and Ganguly.

The hostility between the two was palpable when RCB faced Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023. Ganguly, DC's mentor, stepped through Kohli at the post-match handshakes ritual, irking supporters. During the second leg, the pair shook hands and welcomed each other.