Shubman Gill Critiques Gujarat Titans' Bowling After Loss to Lucknow Super Giants

In a recent match, Gujarat Titans' captain Shubman Gill openly criticized his team's bowling performance after a 33-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants. He highlighted the need to improve their bowling strategy, especially in the middle overs, where they allowed LSG to score heavily. With playoffs approaching, Gill stressed the importance of regaining momentum, as the team has faced four losses recently. The Titans remain at the top of the table but must address their bowling issues before their crucial upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 23, 2025, 09:23 IST

Gujarat Titans' Captain Expresses Discontent

Following a 33-run defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans' captain Shubman Gill did not shy away from expressing his disappointment regarding the team's bowling during the middle overs. LSG managed to score an impressive 235 runs for the loss of just two wickets, largely thanks to Mitchell Marsh's explosive 117 and a swift finish from Nicholas Pooran.

Analysis of the Match

Gill reflected on the turning point of the match, indicating that the bowling unit allowed the game to slip away after a promising start.

"We conceded an extra 15-20 runs. If we had restricted them to around 210-220, it would have made a significant difference," Gill remarked during the post-match discussion.

Although the initial overs were not concerning, the Titans allowed LSG to accumulate a staggering 180 runs in the last 14 overs. Gill maintained that the team remained competitive until the closing stages of the match.

Bowling Performance Under Scrutiny

"We performed well during the powerplay, even though we didn't take any wickets. However, they scored 180 runs in the subsequent 14 overs, which was excessive. We were still in contention until the 17th over, with Shahrukh and Rutherford putting up a good fight," he added.

The bowling attack of Gujarat struggled to make an impact on a pitch conducive to high scores. Key bowlers like Rashid Khan, Siraj, and Rabada failed to take wickets, each conceding more than 11 runs per over. Gill's attempt to experiment with his bowling lineup ahead of the playoffs did not yield the desired results. Despite a commendable batting effort from Shahrukh Khan and Rutherford, the Titans fell short by 33 runs.

Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

Importance of Regaining Momentum

With the playoffs approaching, Gill emphasized the necessity for the team to quickly regroup, especially after suffering four losses in recent matches.

"Regaining momentum will be crucial in our next match," he stated.

Despite the setback against LSG, Gujarat Titans remain at the top of the standings. However, two defeats in their last five games and the tendency to concede totals exceeding 230 runs have raised concerns within the team.

Their upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings on May 25 is now critical for securing the top position in the table and restoring confidence ahead of the knockout stage.