Gujarat Titans Target Powerplay Dominance Under Shubman Gill in IPL 2025 🏏
Following a disappointing eighth-place finish in IPL 2024, the Gujarat Titans (GT) are looking to rebound in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. A key focus for the team will be a revamped approach to the powerplay, spearheaded by captain Shubman Gill. Gill, who experienced his first full season as captain last year, is determined to set the tone with the bat and lead the team to greater success.
Addressing Powerplay Deficiencies
In IPL 2024, GT struggled in the powerplay, recording the lowest run rate (7.72) among all teams. Gill himself struck at a relatively slow 131.08 during this phase, a figure surpassed only by teammate Sai Sudharsan. Recognizing this as a critical area for improvement, Gill has articulated a clear plan: “The plan is to score as many runs as possible, and lose as little wickets as possible.”
He emphasized the need to rectify errors from the previous season, stating, “We did not do well in the powerplay or [the phases] after that last season. We couldn't play the way we wanted to in the powerplay and even after that, and that shows in the fact that we couldn't qualify [for the playoffs].” Gill’s responsibility, as he sees it, is to “bat in a way that allows us to maximize the powerplay.”
A Balanced Approach to Scoring
While acknowledging the high-scoring nature of IPL 2024, where several teams posted scores exceeding 250, Gill cautioned against a solely aggressive strategy. “I don't think as a team we're trying to chase 300 as a total. That's not what our aim is,” he explained. Instead, the team will prioritize assessing conditions and adapting their approach accordingly. “We will assess what the condition is and what the situation is, and we want to play that kind of cricket. If the wicket or the situation allows us to make 240, 250, [or] 260 runs, yeah, we are not saying no to that, but there might be a situation where 150, [or] 160 would be an ideal total on a wicket.”
This adaptability is crucial, as Gill believes a hallmark of a great team is its ability to adjust to varying conditions and challenges.
Gill's Leadership Evolution
IPL 2024 marked Gill’s first significant foray into senior-level captaincy. While he had previously led domestic teams on limited occasions, his experience with the Indian national team has been rapidly expanding, including tours of Zimbabwe and ongoing opportunities. He is actively working to separate his batting and captaincy roles, recognizing the importance of focused decision-making in each area. “The more we keep batting and captaincy separate, the better it is,” he stated. “In my experience, it is good if I don't mix it.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
Despite the setback of missing the playoffs last year, GT can draw confidence from their overall record in the IPL. They have secured 28 wins in just three seasons, the most among any team in the last three years. This consistent performance underscores the team's potential and provides a solid foundation for future success. “If you look at our record over the past three years, we are the team with the most wins and the highest percentage of wins,” Gill noted. “If we continue to do that, it's going to be another great season for us.”
With a renewed focus on powerplay dominance, adaptable strategies, and Gill’s evolving leadership, the Gujarat Titans are poised to make a strong statement in IPL 2025. 🚀