“Thank you. When GT is playing, don’t think that, eh?” This is how an ecstatic Shubman Gill retorted to commentator Harsha Bhogle during the post-match conversation, after being questioned about the intense finale against Rajasthan in the 24th match of the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shubman Gill, with his confident demeanor and steady performance, reassured fans and critics alike that their faith in Gujarat Titans (GT) is well placed.
The exciting match that unfurled at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, shadowed a high-stakes narrative, with the home team—not yet defeated in the series—setting a formidable target of 196 in their 20-over session. The innings exhibited by Rajasthan was nothing short of an exhibition of competitive cricket, posing a significant challenge for the Gujarat Titans.
GT’s approach to the mammoth chase was a strategic and methodical one. Opposed to initiating an aggressive onslaught, they opted for a balanced pace. Nevertheless, the wicket of Sai Sudharsan fell when the team’s total was at a mere 64, marking a slight degradation in the overall run rate. The situation seemed dicey as the rate limped around eight runs per over, demanding a robust partnership to shift the scales in GT’s favor.
Amidst falling partners, it was Shubman Gill who held one end firm, presenting an anchoring 72-run stand. However, Gill’s departure in the 16th over seemed to tilt the match significantly towards Rajasthan, as the Titans found themselves trailing behind in the required run rate with the clock ticking down.
The atmosphere was rife with suspense as GT needed 42 from the last three overs. This is where the drama peaked, and the Titans showed their true colors. Rashid Khan, with an explosive 24 not out off 11 balls, and Rahul Tewatia, crafting a crucial 22 off 11 balls, became the harbingers of hope and success for GT. Their electrifying partnership was more than just crowd-pleasing—it secured two essential points for the Titans, once runners-up, now on their way to potential glory.
Amidst the frenzy and relief post-victory, Shubman Gill displayed a captain’s wisdom at the post-match presentation. He highlighted the strategy, stating that the target for the last three overs, though challenging, was definitely “very much gettable.” The mathematical breakdown by Gill was quite straightforward: each batter needed to strike at an approximate run rate leading to 22 off 9 balls, and with one batter going all out, victory could arrive even earlier than expected.
The new Impact Player rule, according to Gill, had its advantages too, especially with an extra batter on deck. It seemed like a psychological leverage point, helping the team to simplify and execute their game better under pressure. Gill expressed his desire to have been the finishing bat but showcased immense pride and happiness for Rashid and Rahul, who completed the job with finesse.
Gill especially commended Rashid Khan’s attributes, labeling him as a phenomenal player and someone invaluable in any team. He reflected briefly on the past performance, recognizing that dominating more than 50% of the gameplay is not enough if the critical moments do not fall into place.
As the players left the field with jubilant strides and weary smiles, GT once again proved their mettle. Thrilling finishes like these not only establish the unpredictability and charm of IPL but also cement the reputation of players like Gill, Rashid, and Tewatia who become beacons of resilience, showcasing the true spirit of cricket.
