Gujarat Titans (GT) captain and dynamic opener, Shubman Gill, found himself sidelined due to a minor back spasm during Monday night’s match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), but he remains hopeful to take the field when they face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday.
Gill had an outstanding innings, scoring 84 off 50 balls, helping GT set a substantial target of 209 for 4 in Jaipur. However, he was unable to participate in the second innings, with Ishant Sharma stepping in as an Impact Player and Rashid Khan temporarily taking over the captaincy duties. The team eventually suffered a comprehensive defeat as youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi impressed with an explosive 35-ball century.
Following the game, Gill explained the decision to sit out as advised by GT’s medical staff, aiming to ensure his fitness for the tightly packed match schedule. “I just felt a little back spasm, and with another game soon, the physio suggested we shouldn’t take any risks,” Gill commented ahead of the post-match presentation.
Despite the setback, GT maintains a solid position with six victories in their opening nine matches, indicating a promising shot at the IPL 2025 playoffs. Gill reflected on the team’s mentality, stating, “The outcome of the previous match, win or lose, doesn’t affect us. Each game is its own challenge, and with our next at Ahmedabad, where we’ve done well, I’m optimistic.”
Reflecting on the defeat, Gill acknowledged RR’s dominance in the powerplay. “They seized control early. There were areas we could improve, though it’s easier said after the fact. We missed some early opportunities which might have swayed the game.”
Addressing Suryavanshi’s remarkable performance, Gill remarked, “It was his day. His striking was phenomenal, and he truly capitalised on his chances.”
With a blend of strategic gameplay and resilience, Gill and his team will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures, keeping their playoff aspirations firmly within reach.
