Shubman Gill’s debut in captaincy in IPL paved a way for a blazing victory against Mumbai Indians led by Hardik Pandya. The victory served as a reminder of fighting attitude in Gujarat Titans even in the absence of their prime bowler Mohammed Shami. Gujarat Titans played as a unit under Gill, although he couldn’t lead from the front with bat, but showed tactical superiority over Hardik Pandya.
Gujarat Titans won by 6 runs, a meager target, but nail-biting finish kept the spectators at the edge of their seats. Gujarat Titans scored 168-6 in 20 overs, pushing Mumbai Indians back from coming into match. Sai Sudarshan top scored for Gujarat Titans with 45 runs out of 39 balls. Rahul Tewatia’s 22 off 15 deliveries set the tone of the match, giving Gujarat a much needed margin to fight.
Hardik Pandya, who was last season with Gujarat Titans, might have experienced this match full of emotions, right from booing episode to playing amidst loudest cheer of “Rohit Rohit” and “Gujarat”. Rohit Sharma, the former skipper of Mumbai Indians, gave Mumbai Indians a promising start of 43 runs. Dewald Brevis accelerated the inning total by adding 46 runs later. Ultimately, Tim David (11), Hardik Pandya (11) failed to capitalize on a slow and tricky pitch. Jasprit Bumrah seemed in great touch from the word go as the bowler scalped 3 wickets to leave Gujarat struggling but eventually Gujarat had the last laugh.
