Shubman Gill: ‘Pitch Didn’t Look Like a 210–220 Wicket, We Fell Short in the Final Overs’

Shubman Gill Admits Gujarat Titans Fell Short in Final Overs Against Punjab Kings

Shubman Gill acknowledged that Gujarat Titans’ inability to accelerate in the final five overs proved costly as they suffered a three-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings in their IPL opener on Tuesday.

Despite a strong batting line-up featuring Jos Buttler, Sai Sudharsan and Glenn Phillips, Gujarat Titans managed only 162/6 on a surface Gill described as decent but not high-scoring.

“It never looked like a 210–220 wicket. We felt 175 would have been a competitive total, but we kept losing wickets and couldn’t score much in the last five overs,” Gill said after the match.

He added that batting became increasingly difficult as the ball aged. “Once the ball got older, it was tough to hit straight down the ground,” he noted.

However, conditions shifted during the second innings, with light rain making the ball wet and easing batting for Punjab Kings. Gill admitted this change played a role in the outcome.

“In the second innings, the drizzle made the ball wet, which helped batting a bit. It didn’t stop as much, but overall, we still did a decent job. It just wasn’t our game,” he said, adding that the team would focus on improving intensity going forward.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer praised young batter Cooper Connolly for his composed knock, which guided the chase.

“Some of the shots he played were incredible, especially against Rashid Khan. Even when we lost quick wickets, he stayed calm and composed,” Iyer said.

Connolly, who was named Player of the Match for his fluent 72, expressed satisfaction with his performance.

“I really enjoyed the experience of playing with world-class players. I’m more of a tempo player—just go with the flow rather than relying on big hits,” he said.