IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Stun Gujarat Titans, Sehwag Criticizes Shubman Gill Captaincy
The fifth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 witnessed an intense showdown between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, where Punjab secured an 11-run victory. This defeat marked a disappointing start for Gujarat under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill. Following the loss, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag strongly criticized Gill’s captaincy, particularly questioning his strategy regarding Mohammed Siraj’s bowling spells.
Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Under Fire
After Gujarat Titans fell short in their chase, Sehwag expressed dissatisfaction with Gill’s decisions, particularly how he handled his bowling attack. Speaking on a sports broadcast, Sehwag remarked, “I felt that Shubman Gill’s captaincy was not up to expectations. He didn’t seem well-prepared, nor did he show the necessary presence of mind on the field.”
Sehwag specifically pointed out that Mohammed Siraj, who had given away only 14 runs in his first two overs, was removed from the attack at a crucial moment. Instead, Gill introduced Arshad Khan, who conceded 21 runs in the powerplay, shifting the momentum in Punjab’s favor. Sehwag added, “When a bowler like Siraj is performing well, why would you take him off and bring in someone who is leaking runs? That one decision changed the course of the match.”
Siraj’s Limited Use Sparks Debate
One of Sehwag’s biggest concerns was Gill’s decision to hold back Siraj for the death overs, only for the bowler to later suffer an injury and exit the game prematurely. According to Sehwag, “If Siraj was already doing well with the new ball, saving him for the death overs made no sense. This was a miscalculated move, and Gill’s lack of proactiveness cost the team dearly.”
This critique highlights a major concern for Gujarat Titans: whether their new captain can handle high-pressure situations. Having played under Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan’s leadership in previous seasons, Gill is still finding his footing as a skipper. However, early criticism from experts like Sehwag suggests he must refine his tactical approach quickly.
Match Summary: Punjab Kings vs. Gujarat Titans
Punjab Kings’ Explosive Batting Display
Winning the toss, Gujarat Titans elected to bowl first. Punjab Kings capitalized on the batting-friendly conditions, putting up a mammoth total of 243/5 in 20 overs. Star batsman Shreyas Iyer played a breathtaking knock, remaining unbeaten on 97 runs, leading his team to a formidable total. The Kings’ middle order also contributed significantly, ensuring Gujarat faced a stiff target.
Gujarat Titans’ Valiant Yet Incomplete Chase
Chasing 244, Gujarat Titans got off to a steady start, with Sai Sudharsan anchoring the innings with an impressive 74-run knock. Jos Buttler played aggressively, smashing 54 runs off limited deliveries. However, Shubman Gill, despite his reputation as a reliable batsman, managed only 33 runs before getting dismissed at a critical juncture.
With the required run rate climbing, Gujarat’s middle and lower order faltered under pressure, ultimately falling short at 232/7. Punjab Kings emerged victorious by 11 runs, handing Gujarat a rough start to their IPL 2025 campaign.
Gill’s Take on Gujarat’s Performance
Despite the loss, Shubman Gill remained optimistic, focusing on the positives from the match. “There were several good takeaways from today’s game,” he said. “It’s never easy for players coming off the bench to execute yorkers immediately, and this pitch was great for batting. We did well in patches, but there’s room for improvement.”
Gill’s response suggests that Gujarat Titans are looking at the bigger picture rather than just one defeat. However, if they want to make a strong comeback in IPL 2025, refining their bowling strategies and decision-making on the field will be crucial.
What Lies Ahead for Gujarat Titans?
With one loss in their opening match, Gujarat Titans will need to regroup quickly before their next fixture. The team boasts several star players who can turn things around, but leadership and strategy will play a key role in their journey this season.
Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025!
