Shubman Gill’s return to competitive action proved pivotal for Gujarat Titans (GT), who earned their opening breakthrough in IPL 2026 on Wednesday. Chasing a dramatic finish, GT held their nerve to beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by a solitary margin of 1 run, with Gill striking a top score of 70 off 45 to set up the win after returning from injury.
Key takeaways
- GT secured their first victory of IPL 2026, defeating DC by 1 run in a nail-biting finish.
- Shubman Gill delivered a match-defining 70 off 45, the highest score for Gujarat in the game.
- Irfan Pathan raised concerns over Gill’s bowling change during the DC chase.
- Ashok Sharma, given the ball for the final over of the powerplay, conceded 23 runs as DC finished the phase on 63/0.
- Despite the over costing GT momentum, Gujarat’s late-game execution ensured their first points of the season after two straight defeats.
Gill’s impact with the bat—and the debate over a bowling call
During DC’s chase of a 211-run target, Gill made a notable captaincy decision by handing the ball to Ashok Sharma, a 23-year-old pacer, to bowl the last over of the powerplay. The plan, however, did not translate into control or restraint.
Ashok had been in impressive rhythm earlier in IPL 2026, having recently recorded the tournament’s fastest delivery at 154.2 kmph. Yet in this powerplay over, DC openers Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul made life difficult for him, smashing him for 23 runs. Nissanka in particular dominated the over, hitting three fours and a six off Ashok as the batting side surged ahead.
Irfan Pathan explains why he questioned the decision
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan suggested that giving Ashok the powerplay over was the wrong call, even acknowledging that Rashid Khan (Khan) would have been an effective option earlier. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said, “Bowling Rashid (Khan) in the powerplay was a good call. But they brought in Ashok for the last over. I felt that was a big mistake.”
Pathan also argued that the match-up and conditions did not suit the tactic, adding, “KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka like pace. This guy gives pace, but the pitch was not suitable for that. If you give the last over of the powerplay to an inexperienced bowler on a black soil pitch, it is a mistake.”
Powerplay damage, then a short recovery from Ashok
The 23-run over ensured DC completed the powerplay at 63/0, setting a foundation that looked threatening for GT. Ashok’s next spells showed some improvement, but the recovery still couldn’t fully erase the earlier damage. He ended up not completing his full allocation of overs, finishing with figures of 0/45 across three overs.
Even with that wobble in the chase, GT’s result stayed intact. Their last-over success delivered the relief of first points for Gill and his team in IPL 2026, coming after GT had opened the campaign with consecutive losses.
