Former India head coach Ravi Shastri commended Shubman Gill’s astute captaincy during Gujarat Titans’ clash against Hyderabad on Sunday, March 30. Facing off at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat showcased exceptional prowess by limiting Hyderabad to a mere 162 runs, following two consecutive 200-plus totals. Just days after notching up the highest total in IPL history (277 runs), Hyderabad faltered to gain momentum, all credit to Gill’s strategic leadership.
In his third match as GT captain, Gill exuded confidence and led by example on the field. From tactical field placements to bowling rotations, the youngest skipper of the season exhibited remarkable acumen. He actively celebrated Hyderabad’s setbacks alongside GT bowlers, displaying his proactive approach. Shastri lauded Gill for stepping onto the field with a clear plan in mind.
“One aspect I want to touch on is Shubman Gill. He was calm. I thought he captained the side very well. He’s new to the job, but, you know, he’s adjusting extremely well because he didn’t waste time with his feet placings. He had a plan in his mind from the outset and which was good to see,” Ravi Shastri remarked during the mid-innings show on Star Sports.
WATCH – Bangladesh Fielding Blooper: 3 Players Juggled To Drop A Regulation Catch
Despite Hyderabad’s strong start with 58 runs for 1 wicket in the powerplay, Travis Head’s aggressive stance was curtailed by GT bowlers at crucial junctures. Head succumbed to Noor Ahmad’s delivery in the 7th over, attempting to take charge. Meanwhile, Mohit Sharma contributed by dismissing Abhishek Sharma just as the batter seemed to settle in.
Rashid Khan’s finesse kept Hyderabad’s star player, Heinrich Klaasen, in check, limiting him to 24 runs. Navigating a two-paced track, batsmen found it challenging to sustain their stroke-play as the ball aged. Shastri acknowledged the diverse conditions under which Hyderabad batters operated and commended GT bowlers for adapting well to the sluggish pitch.
WATCH – Rashid Khan’s Brilliance Stuns SRH As He Cleans Up Klaasen And Takes A Diving Catch
“I am not surprised because one thing, when you travel from one city to another, the conditions can differ. As a player, you have got to adapt. This pitch was a lot slower. Once the ball got a little older, it wasn’t quite coming onto the bat. Where GT did really well was after the powerplay. The spinners came into the game, picking wickets at regular intervals. Mohit Sharma came back at the back of the innings. He did his job as well. You know, it was a very useful contribution from all the bowlers. The fielding was good,” Shastri remarked.
Mohit Sharma emerged as the standout performer among GT bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs.
