Rashid Khan, captaining Gujarat Titans in place of Shubman Gill, admitted that his team lost critical momentum during the middle stages of the chase as it fell short by six runs against Rajasthan Royals in a thrilling Indian Premier League encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday. Gujarat were chasing 211 after Rajasthan made 210/6, and while the Titans looked set for a successful run chase for long stretches—thanks in large part to opener Sai Sudharsan—their progress was disrupted by wickets in the middle overs. The chase finally ended on 204/8, with the final over delivered by Tushar Deshpande proving decisive.
Match overview: Gujarat’s chase slips in the middle overs
Rajasthan posted a challenging total of 210/6, setting up a high-scoring run chase. Gujarat, aiming for 211, appeared in control for much of the innings, particularly with Sai Sudharsan providing steady momentum at the top. However, the Titans’ momentum was dented when a cluster of wickets fell during the middle phase of the chase. By the time the innings reached its final stages, Gujarat were unable to bridge the gap and finished at 204/8.
Rashid Khan on the defeat and the turning point
After the match, Rashid—who led the side because Gill was unavailable—said Gujarat’s bowlers had performed well to keep Rajasthan in check despite a strong start from the opposition. He also pointed to the timing of the wickets as the key factor in the Titans’ downfall.
- Rashid credited the bowling unit for restricting Rajasthan, highlighting their ability to limit the visitors even after reaching around the 210-mark.
- He praised Gujarat’s batting for a strong start, saying the openers gave the chase a solid foundation.
- He identified the 12th and 13th overs as a crucial period, when the Titans lost back-to-back wickets and slipped onto the back foot.
- Rashid felt that had the momentum not been lost during that spell, the target would not have appeared as difficult, but the team couldn’t maintain the momentum through to the end.
Afghan all-rounder’s view of the pitch and the comeback plan
The Afghan all-rounder also assessed the playing surface, suggesting the conditions at the venue supported strokeplay. He believed the chase was always within reach, especially once boundaries were coming more regularly—until quick wickets disrupted the flow for Gujarat.
- Rashid noted that on a wicket like that, scoring at roughly nine or ten runs per over should be achievable.
- He argued that the difference-maker was the momentum shift during the period when wickets fell.
- He said boundaries were arriving fairly easily on the surface, but the early quick dismissals during that window prevented the Titans from sustaining momentum to the finish.
- Despite the narrow loss, Rashid emphasized that the team would regroup as the tournament continues, learning from mistakes and returning stronger in the next match.
Final over pressure: Deshpande’s yorkers decide it
With 11 runs required off the last over, Deshpande kept Gujarat under pressure using accurate yorkers and denied the batters the breakthrough they needed. Rashid revealed that the plan in the dugout was uncomplicated: target at least one boundary to change the equation, then limit the damage from the remaining balls.
- Rashid said the team’s discussion was clear—aim to hit one boundary in the final over.
- He added that if that boundary came, the Titans would not need multiple boundaries to finish the job.
- Rashid praised Deshpande for bowling exceptionally, particularly with yorkers that kept Gujarat from building momentum.
- He also suggested that one delivery where Deshpande may have missed his line and length could have been struck for six.
