One of the IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) favourites, Gujarat Titans (GT), faced a surprising 33-run defeat against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their last home game at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra gave his insights on the challenges the IPL 2022 winners could face going into the playoffs.
The match witnessed one of the rare occasions where the top three batters for the Titans failed to take the game deep, and the middle order was completely exposed. Chopra explained how this could be a big issue for the Shubman Gill-led side, claiming the bowling attacks of teams in the playoffs will be more challenging, and seeing the top order failing at the business end is a major concern. Chopra also mentioned that the absence of one of their in-form batters, Jos Buttler, will also be a significant blow for the team in the upcoming playoff games.
“Jos Buttler will leave after the play-offs, and Kusal Mendis will slot in at No. 3. That puts added pressure on Rutherford and Shahrukh. They did well today and kept GT in the game, but the bigger question is, what was the quality of bowling they faced?” Chopra said while exclusively speaking on JioHotstar.
“In the play-offs, that standard goes up. Rahul Tewatia hasn’t made much of an impact this season. And for the second game in a row (GT won the game against Delhi Capitals by 10 wickets), GT’s top three failed to cross 50 – something that hadn’t happened all season. It’s worrying to see the top order lose steam at the business end,” he added.
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Chopra on Mitchell Marsh’s match-winning century
Though the GT batters were not able to get their side over the line, the LSG batters were successful. The player who stole the show was Mitchell Marsh, who scored his maiden IPL century to take his side to a humongous total of 235-2. Aakash Chopra praised the Aussie opener and highlighted how he has made a terrific comeback after an underwhelming season last year, during which he was one of the big buys of the Delhi Capitals.
“He was bought cheap – a steal – and sometimes that fires you up. Earlier, he had a big price tag and low returns. This year, he’s come in differently. The Ekana pitch suits him – ball comes on nicely. And his sixes? When he hits, they stay hit. Shot selection has also improved. He’s showing real class,” Chopra concluded.
