GT skipper admits key overs with both bat and ball proved costly in 11-run defeat; praises team’s positives ahead of next clash
Ahmedabad, March 26: Following Gujarat Titans’ close 11-run defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2025 opener, captain Shubman Gill admitted that his team failed to seize crucial moments despite being in control during key phases of the match.
“We had our chances while bowling and batting. But we conceded too many runs in the death overs. Also, those three quiet overs in the middle where we scored just 18 runs, and the slow start in the first three overs—those two phases cost us the game,” Gill said after the match, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Despite the loss, the GT skipper pointed out several positives.
“There were encouraging signs. It’s never easy for someone coming off the bench to bowl accurate yorkers, but we had players stepping up. It’s always a good batting wicket here, and we’ll take lessons into the next game,” he added.
Match Recap:
After winning the toss, Gujarat opted to bowl first. PBKS debutant Priyansh Arya gave them a fiery start, smashing 47 off 23 balls. Despite quick wickets from Rashid Khan and a double strike from Sai Kishore, PBKS powered through to 243/5, thanks to Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97 and Shashank Singh’s 44 off just 16 balls.
In reply, GT started strong with a 61-run opening stand between Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41) and Gill (33). However, tight middle overs and quick wickets, including Jos Buttler (54) and Sherfane Rutherford (46 off 28), derailed the chase. Punjab’s Arshdeep Singh turned the game with two crucial wickets, ending with figures of 2/36.
Bowling Highlights:
- Punjab Kings: Arshdeep Singh (2/36), Marco Jansen (1), Glenn Maxwell (1)
- Gujarat Titans: Sai Kishore (3/30), Rashid Khan (1), Kagiso Rabada (1)
Despite a high-scoring thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium, it was Punjab Kings who walked away with the points, leaving Gujarat Titans searching for redemption in their next outing.
Tags: Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer, Sai Sudharsan, Arshdeep Singh, Jos Buttler, Shashank Singh, cricket highlights, post-match reaction
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