Shubman Gill admitted Gujarat Titans (GT) were let down by their own fielding after dropping multiple chances in their IPL defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), saying the side “didn’t deserve to win” given how many opportunities they failed to take.
Key takeaways
- Gill blamed GT’s four dropped chances—three of them sitters—for the outcome against KKR.
- GT’s catching let KKR off the hook after Finn Allen was dropped twice, eventually smashing 93 off 35 balls.
- KKR posted 247, the highest total ever against GT in IPL history, as GT lost by 29 runs.
- Gill felt the batting was competitive (218 for 4) but fielding standards slipped at crucial moments.
- Despite the setback, GT remain second in the points table with 16 points and face Chennai Super Kings at home on May 21.
Gill’s verdict after the 29-run defeat
After GT were beaten by 29 runs, Gill pointed to the nature of the wicket and how close his side felt the chase could be. He said that with the surface offering assistance, the team believed 200 to 220 would be a reasonable target, but the match swung decisively when catches were missed at key stages.
Gill highlighted that dropping multiple chances in a tight contest makes life extremely difficult for the bowling unit, noting that when a team misses three or four catches, it becomes “never easy” for the bowlers to defend totals.
Allen’s two lives and KKR’s record total
Finn Allen benefited from two dropped chances during his innings. The first came in the covers when Jason Holder let one slip while Allen was on 14, and the second was a high-pressure miss at long-on as Mohammed Siraj dropped a “dolly” when Allen was on 33. Allen capitalised on both reprieves, striking 93 off only 35 deliveries.
With the momentum building, KKR went on to compile 247, which is the highest score ever recorded against GT in the IPL. The blow was compounded by further missed chances: even Cameron Green was put down on 23 by Arshad Khan, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi was also dropped by Washington Sundar at fine leg. Both of those batters finished unbeaten on 50s as KKR pushed the innings to a commanding total.
GT set a benchmark, but fielding fell short
Gill also assessed the batting and conditions. He said the wicket played well, with the odd ball stopping and gripping, and felt GT had done enough with the bat to reach 218 for 4. However, he was firm that the fielding standards were not met, stressing that GT had set a particular benchmark and then failed to hold it in a game of such magnitude.
Rather than dwell only on the scoreboard, Gill framed the defeat as a consequence of missed chances, insisting that dropping three sitters in a contest like that meant GT did not fully deserve the result.
Turning the setback into a playoff advantage
Despite the disappointment, Gill treated the loss as part of the bigger picture. He suggested it could actually benefit the bowling group to have an off day earlier rather than when the pressure rises in the playoffs, if GT are able to progress.
Gill said the immediate priority now is recovery: rest for a couple of days, return to Ahmedabad, assess the pitch conditions, and plan accordingly. He also referenced the kind of match script where a high-scoring game (in the 240–250 range) can go against the bowling side, arguing that it is preferable to experience that scenario before the qualifiers.
What’s next for Gujarat Titans
GT remain second in the points standings with 16 points after the loss. Their next assignment is against Chennai Super Kings at home on May 21.
