IPL 2023: 'I will ensure the bowlers get their due credit' says Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans defeated SRH by 34 runs to become first team to qualify for the IPL 2023 playoffs.

It was a comfortable win for Gujarat Titans against Sunrisers Hyderabad. They defeated Hyderabad by 34 runs and secured a place in the top 2 in the points table. The Titans had a wonderful bowling performance as Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma picked up 4 wickets each. Shami and Sharma both made SRH batters struggle in the powerplay and middle overs. It was all thanks to Heinrich Klassen (64) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (27) took the team's total to a dignified number from 59 for 7 to 154. Batting first, the Titans put up 188 runs on the board. Shubman Gill smashed his first-ever IPL hundred with a textbook style of batting. In his century he hit only one six. Along with Sai Sudarshan (47), he added 147 runs for the 2nd wicket. Bhuvi did try to control the Titans with his 5-wicket spell, but SRH failed while chasing 189. 

Markram disappointed with losing wickets in powerplay

Sunrisers Hyderabad had a poor batting day as they lost their first 7 wickets in just 59 runs under 9 overs. Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Aiden Markram also felt that their batting in powerplay changed the game in favour of Gujarat. He said, “I still believe at half-time that we were in with a chance but with four wickets in the powerplay, we went down”. Captain Markram was happy with the team's bowling performance. He said, “We have got high-class bowlers who can swing the ball. Shubhman’s inning was incredible and so did their number 3, but we stuck in there and credit goes to Bhuvi to show us how it’s done… It was important for us to break the partnership and Bhuvi did that for us”. Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 4 wickets in his last over, one as a run-out. 

'I am a bowlers captain,' says Hardik

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya was happy with the team's performance. After the game, Hardik Pandya said, “Proud of the boys, two in two. The boys put their hands up in challenging situations and we rightly deserve the playoff spot”. With this victory, the Titans have secured their place in the top 2 of the points table. They have 18 points in their 13 games this season. Talking about comparing batting and bowling performances, Hardik Pandya said, “Bowlers are close to my heart. Sometimes batters take a lot of credit. A couple of overs are always important. I am a bowler's captain and will ensure they are well prepared and ensure they get a good credit for their performance”. Shami and Mohit Sharma both picked up 8 wickets in their 8 overs. 

Gill smashed his bestie for a six

Gujarat Titans opener Shubhman Gill won the Player of the Match award for his maiden IPL century. Gill smashed 13 fours and only one six in his inning. Gill added 147 runs with Sai Sudarshan for the 2nd wicket. Talking about his hundred he said, “I made my IPL debut against Sunrisers Hyderabad and got my first IPL century against them, life has come full circle. Hopefully many more to come”. While talking about his best shot in the innings, Gil said, “The six of Abhishek Sharma was the most pleasing thing for me. I told him that if you bowl to me, I will hit you for a six”. Shubhman Gill and Abhishek Sharma both play for Punjab and are great friends.