Gujarat Titans (GT), one of the IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) favourites, suffered a surprise 33-run defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their penultimate home game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera. Aakash Chopra, a former India cricketer, shared his thoughts on the obstacles the IPL 2022 winners may face heading into the playoffs.
The match was one of the few occasions when the Titans’ top three hitters failed to take the game deep, leaving the middle order entirely exposed. Chopra noted how this might be a serious issue for the Shubman Gill-led club, noting that teams’ bowling assaults in the playoffs will be more difficult, and seeing the top order fail at the crucial moment is a major concern. Chopra also stated that the absence of one of their in-form batsmen, Jos Buttler, will be a huge setback for the squad in the upcoming playoffs.
“Jos Buttler will leave after the play-offs, and Kusal Mendis will take over at No. 3. This puts further strain on Rutherford and Shahrukh. They bowled well today and kept GT in the game, but the bigger question is, what kind of bowling did they face?” Chopra mentioned this while chatting exclusively to JioHotstar.
“In the playoffs, that standard rises. Rahul Tewatia has not had much of an effect this season. And, for the second game in a row (GT won by ten wickets against the Delhi Capitals), GT’s top three failed to reach 50, which had not occurred all season. “It’s concerning to see the top order lose steam at the business end,” he said.
Aakash Chopra discusses Mitchell Marsh’s match-winning century.
The LSG batters were successful, despite the fact that the GT batters were unable to score. Mitchell Marsh stole the spotlight, scoring his first IPL century to lead his team to a massive total of 235-2. Aakash Chopra hailed the Australian opener, highlighting how he has made a fantastic recovery following a disappointing season last year, when he was one of the Delhi Capitals’ key signings.
“He was bought for a low price – a deal – and that may get you fired up. Previously, he had a high price tag and low returns. This year, he has approached things differently. The Ekana pitch is ideal for him; the ball comes on nicely. And his sixes? When he hits, they remain hit. The shot selection has also improved. “He’s demonstrating real class,” Chopra said.
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