Shubman Gill Admits Gujarat Titans Didn’t Deserve Win After Costly Fielding Lapse
Shubman Gill: ‘We Didn’t Deserve to Win’ After GT’s Fielding Meltdown
Shubman Gill wasn’t mincing words after Gujarat Titans’ 29-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-octane IPL encounter. The GT skipper openly admitted that his side did not deserve victory, pointing squarely at a sloppy fielding performance that included four dropped catches—three of them straightforward opportunities.
“Looking at the wicket, we thought 200-220 was a par score. But we dropped too many catches and when you drop three to four catches in a game, it is never easy for the bowlers,” Gill said, reflecting on the match that saw KKR post 247 for 5, the highest total ever recorded against GT in IPL history.
Dropped Chances Prove Costly
The cracks in GT’s usually dependable fielding unit were on full display throughout KKR’s innings. Finn Allen, who went on to score a blistering 93 off just 35 balls, was let off twice. Jason Holder spilled a tough chance at cover when Allen was on 14, but Mohammed Siraj then dropped a sitter at long-on when Allen was on 33—undoubtedly the turning point of the innings.
“It’s never easy for the bowlers when the fielders don’t back them up,” Gill added. “Those dropped catches allowed the batters to settle and then accelerate without pressure. That’s what happened today.”
But Allen wasn’t the only beneficiary of GT’s lapses. Cameron Green, now playing a finisher’s role for KKR, was dropped on 23 by Arshad Khan and remained unbeaten on 50. Angkrish Raghuvanshi was also put down by Washington Sundar at fine leg, later finishing on 56 not out. Their unbroken 94-run partnership in just 44 balls turned a strong total into a mammoth one.
Gill Stresses Standards Despite Pitch Being Fair
Gill acknowledged the quality of the pitch, describing it as generally good for batting with only occasional irregularities. GT themselves posted a competitive 218 for 4 in their 20 overs, showing that big scores were achievable with clean execution.
“The pitch was good. The odd ball was stopping and sticking. We batted well to the score that we did,” Gill noted. “But our fielding could have been a lot better. We set a certain standard and dropping three sitters in a game like this, I don’t think we deserved to win this one.”
Such candid accountability from a captain is rare, but Gill’s leadership was evident in his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. He refused to use the pitch or conditions as an excuse, instead focusing on controllable factors.
Looking Ahead: Damage Control Before Playoff Push
Despite the heavy defeat, Gill remained forward-looking. He suggested that such a high-scoring contest, where both batting and bowling units were tested, could serve as a learning moment before the business end of the tournament.
“Best to have a game like this, 240-250 game, the bowling having an off day, a game like that now than in the qualifiers,” Gill said. “[We] rest and recover for a couple of days, travel back to Ahmedabad, and see how the wicket is and plan accordingly.”
GT remain second on the points table with 16 points and will host Chennai Super Kings at their home ground on May 21. With the playoffs within reach, the Titans now have a narrow window to fix their fielding discipline and regain their composure under pressure.
For a team with championship aspirations, lapses like these are a warning sign. But under Gill’s composed leadership, they may just turn this setback into a setup for a deeper tournament run.
