Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill was visibly agitated during his side’s dominant 38-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad on Friday, following a controversial DRS moment in the 14th over of the second innings.
The flashpoint occurred when GT appealed for an LBW against Abhishek Sharma, but the on-field umpire showed little interest. The decision was reviewed, but the ball-tracking failed to display the pitch location, showing only the impact and wicket zones. This technical hiccup led to a heated exchange between Gill and the umpires, forcing even Abhishek Sharma to step in and diffuse the tension.
Post-match, Gill admitted, “There was a little bit of a discussion with me and the umpire. Sometimes there are so many emotions involved, and as you give your 110 per cent, there are bound to be some emotions,” Gill said in the post-match presentation.
Apart from Gill’s moment of heat, the entire affair was one-sided traffic. GT posted a daunting 224/6, courtesy of the carnage inflicted by the top order.
Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler were evidently intent on rotating the strike and not allowing any delivery to go to waste. As a result, GT played just 22 dot balls, among the fewest in an IPL inning.
The GT skipper admitted that they didn’t have any specific plan but a mutual understanding between the troika.
“Definitely didn’t plan that (on playing just 22 dot balls in 20 overs). The only conversation was let’s try to play the game we have been playing so far. The black soil pitch is not easy to hit sixes, but the way Sai, Jos, and I play, I think we have an understanding of how to keep the scoreboard ticking,” he said.
“I don’t think we have ever had that conversation where one of us has to be there. We are all eager and hungry for runs and do what is best for the team,” he added.
Despite the brief moment of drama, GT were clinical with both bat and ball. After posting a formidable 224/6, powered by Gill (76), Sai Sudharsan (48), and Jos Buttler (64 off 37), the Titans gave Sunrisers no breathing room.
Remarkably, GT’s batting unit played just 22 dot balls in the entire innings — one of the most efficient displays of the season.
In reply, SRH struggled to build momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite brave efforts, they collapsed under pressure and are now on the brink of playoff elimination.
GT, meanwhile, extended their perfect record of defending 200+ totals at home, further solidifying their dominance at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
