The hosts, Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, successfully defended their total against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by securing a 38-run victory. GT registered their seventh victory of the IPL 2025 season and climbed to the second spot on the points table. Meanwhile, SRH’s struggles continued, and they suffered their seventh season defeat.
Talking Points
GT top-order batters’ mayhem
In the first innings, GT was put on the bat, and their top-order batters once again dominated from the start of the game. GT skipper Shubman Gill led the charge with 76 off just 38 balls, while the other opener Sai Sudharsan contributed a quickfire 48 off 23 deliveries. The duo added 82 runs in the powerplay. Later in the innings, Jos Buttler carried the momentum with a powerful knock of 64 off 37 balls and helped GT post a total of 224.
Abhishek Sharma’s lone fight
In the chase, SRH batters struggled to build partnerships and failed to stay at the crease for long. The left-hander Abhishek Sharma is the lone fighter in the crease for SRH, who played a brilliant knock of 74 from 41 balls. However, with no support from the other end, SRH fell short in their chase of 224.
GT’s quality fielding and bowling
The GT displayed exceptional fielding throughout the match by grabbing nearly every catch that came their way. Rashid Khan pulled off a stunning catch running to his right to dismiss Travis Head. GT’s fielders saved several crucial runs, and that added pressure on the SRH batters, which caused the required run rate to climb during the middle overs. Prasidh Krishna was economical and picked up two wickets for just 19 runs in his four-over spell. Mohammed Siraj also contributed two wickets in his spell.
Who said what?
Pat Cummins, SRH (Losing Captain)
Couple of things. Our powerplay with the bat wasn’t too great. I was as guilty as anyone else. Probably let them get 20-30 extra runs. May be hang on to one or two catches. Again am guilty there. Chasing 200 looked a bit more realistic. They are class batters. They don’t do anything outlandish. If you bowl bad balls, they just put it away. We probably dished out too many bad balls. It is a really good wicket. Going for 140 in the last 14 overs was good on the bowling part.
Sharma batted nicely. Nitish at the end. Left a little too much and too late for the batters. We can cling on to some hope. Big auction last year. The core of the group will be there for three years. So, lots to play for. It is an amazing venue to play. They are so nice and loud.
Shubman Gill, GT (Winning Captain)
Definitely didn’t plan that (on playing just 22 dot balls in 20 overs). The only conversation was lets try to play the game we have been playing so far. The black soil pitch is not easy to hit sixes but the way me, Sai and Jos play, I think we have the understanding on how to keep the scoreboard ticking. 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.
The fielding was one thing we talk about before every game, we have been average so far but happy with the way we fielded today. Everyone is chipping in, it is always nice to have options when you are defending on these grounds. There was a little bit of a discussion with me and the umpire, sometimes there are so many emotions involved as you give your 110 percent, there are bound to be some emotions.
Prasidh Krishna, Player of the Match
Purple cap doesn’t feel any different. Winning was key. We’ve had two long breaks. Getting a win at home was important. My control over length has been good. Lots of support from the team to get where I am now. (Pre-match work and conditions assessment) Prep would start with controlling what I can in the nets. Do what I’d do during the game.
On game day, you watch every ball of the first innings if you’re bowling second. Take all that you can. Then have chats with the experienced players around, then hit the right areas and take it from there. I have a red ball in my room, playing around with it. Didn’t get it to the ground. Looking to take this tournament first and then look at what’s coming later.
India
