IPL 2025: The defeat versus LSG can put the Gujarat Titans at the fourth position : Sanjay Bangar
Former Cricketer and head coach of the Indian Cricket Team Sanjay Bangar reflected on Gujarat Titans' (GT) defeat versus the Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants and made a massive claim that this loss could possibily push Shubman Gill & his men to the 3rd or even the 4th position in the overall standfings, highlighting that the 2022 winners must win their final league stage match versus CSK at all costs and hope that other competing teams drop points in-order to finish in the top 2.
The Gujarat bowling unit had a tough outing as Lucknow posted a mammoth score of 235-2 in 20 overs. In response, hard hitting batsman Shahrukh Khan slammed daazzling half century (57 runs in 29 deliveries), along with contributions from skipper Shubman Gill (35 runs), Sherfane Rutherford (38 runs) and wicketkeeper batter Jos Buttler (33 runs), which allowed their side to stay alive in the chase, however, it didn't prove to be enough as the 2022 winners fell short in the end by a margin of thirty-three runs.
Despite the loss, Gujarat are still sitting at the top of the table with eighteen points to their name in 13 contests. But there high chances of them getting dropped to either the 3rd or the 4th spot as Punjab & RCB are scheduled to play two more games and they are ranked third & second, respectively, with seventeen points each to their name. The Titans, however, have just one match left to play in the league stage.
"After conceding 235 runs, the game became slightly out of reach for GT. However, the middle order – particularly Shahrukh and Sherfane Rutherford – brought them closer to the target. With 24 balls remaining and 54 runs required, along with 7 wickets in hand, the batting side would typically be favored these days. They will feel let down for not closing it out more convincingly. Now, they need to win the final match and rely on two other teams to drop points. This defeat could see them drop to third or even fourth position on the table," Sanjay Bangar stated on JioHotstar.
JioStar analyst Aakash Chopra also pointed out the challenge facing GT’s batting lineup as they approach the 2025 IPL play-offs, stating, "With Jos Buttler set to depart after the conclusion of the league stage, Kusal Mendis will take his place at No. 3. This adds further strain on Rutherford and Shahrukh. They performed well today, keeping GT competitive, but the larger concern is – what was the caliber of bowling they faced? In the play-offs, that level will be raised.
"Rahul Tewatia has not been impactful with the bat this season. And for the second consecutive match, GT’s top three did not surpass 50 runs – a trend that hadn't occurred all season. It’s concerning to see the top order losing momentum at such a critical juncture."
Chopra further discussed how the top two spots may shuffle with the results of the remaining league fixtures.
"A shift is on the horizon. In the match between RCB and PBKS, I anticipate that one of them will lose. The clash between MI and PBKS is also vital. Don't overlook SRH – they managed to defeat LSG and possess game-changers. A single significant performance, similar to Marsh’s today, can alter the situation. I wouldn't be astonished if the top four looks entirely different."
Bangar stated, "I don’t envision RCB dropping out of the top two. However, the second position remains quite competitive – Punjab Kings can definitely seize it."
It was the masterclass of Mitch Marsh that helped the Super Giants secure a clinical win over the Gujarat-based side. He smacked his maiden hundred in the cash-rich t20 league (117 runs in 56 deliveries) which allowed his side to post a huge score of 235 runs on the board.
Aakash Chopra commended Marsh’s comeback this IPL, stating, “He was acquired at a low price in the mega auction – an absolute bargain – and that sometimes motivates a player. In the past, he had a hefty price tag with minimal output. This season, he’s approached the game differently. The pitch of Lucknow's Ekana Stadium is favorable for him – the ball comes onto the bat well. And those sixes? When he connects, they really clear the boundary. His shot selection has also improved significantly. He’s demonstrating true class."
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