IPL 2023: Despite the win against Punjab Kings, Hardik Pandya has a warning for his team

Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans defeated Punjab Kings by 6 wickets in the last over.

It was almost another last ball finish in the IPL 2023. The Indian Premier League has provided so much fun for the fans since the last few games. Defending Champions Gujarat Titans in a close finish defeated Punjab Kings by 6 wickets in their 4th game of this season. Shubman Gill was cruising with the Titans bandwagon that saw a little speed breaker in the final overs, but Iceman of Gujarat Titans Rahul Tewatia without panicking got them over the line. Shubman Gill batted brilliantly and played superb innings of 67 runs in 49 balls. Gill with opening partner Wriddhiman Saha set the tone for the Titans innings while chasing 154 runs. For Gujarat, Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan bowled brilliantly.

Punjab Kings' batting concern continues

Punjab Kings' batsmen struggled to put up a big partnership in the game. Captain Shikhar Dhawan’s big inning was also missing, he got out on 8 to Irishman Josh Little. Most of the batsmen in the PBKS middle order got the start but they failed to convert them into big scores. Captain Dhawan was once again disappointed with the team's batting. He said, “We did not put as many runs on the board. If you see the number of dot balls, whenever they play 56 dot balls they end up losing the game”. He also gave an update about Liam Livingstone, Dhawan informed that Liam pulled his muscles in yesterday's practice but he will be ready for the game in the next 3-4 days.

Hardik Pandya not pleased with the win

Despite the win, Titans' captain Hardik Pandya was not so pleased with the game going so deep. The Titans chased down the target with just one ball left in the game. Showing his disappointment Hardik Pandya said, “To be very honest, I would not like the game to go this close from the situation we were in. There was a lot for us to learn from this game”. Hardik Pandya also insisted Titans batters take more risk while being in a comfortable position, He said, “I think we can take a couple more risks in the middle overs”. Shubhman Gill played an inning of 67 runs in 49 balls to anchor the Titans chase against Punjab Kings.

Making his debut for Gujarat Titans, Mohit Sharma earned Player of the Match award with his brilliant bowling. Mohit kept troubling the PBKS batters with his variations and picked up 2 wickets in his 4 overs conceding only 18 runs. Mohit said knowing the Mohali wicket was a big advantage for him against Punjab. He said, “I have played at Mohali for three years, I thought that the wicket could play on the slower side so that I could use some variations”. Titans used Mohit Sharma brilliantly after the 10th over in the Punjab Kings inning.