Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill explained that a mild back spasm was the reason he didn’t take the field during the second innings of their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur on April 28. Earlier, the 25-year-old had played a stellar knock, scoring 84 off 50 balls to power GT to a strong total of 209/4 in their 20 overs.
Surprisingly, Ishant Sharma came in as the Impact Player for the fielding innings, while Rashid Khan stepped in as acting captain with Gill remaining on the sidelines in the dugout. Speaking to broadcasters after the match (via Cricbuzz), Gill addressed his absence from the field.
“Felt a little back spasm in my back and we have a game couple of days after this, so the physio didn’t want to take a chance.”
“RR seized control during the powerplay”- Shubman Gill after GT’s defeat
Shubman Gill’s brilliant 84 went in vain as RR chased down 210 in just 15.5 overs, losing only two wickets. He admitted RR’s explosive 87/0 powerplay start took the game away. Teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi stole the show with a stunning 101 off 38 balls, reaching his century in just 35 deliveries—the second-fastest in IPL history.
Suryavanshi also set a record as the youngest player to score a century in T20 cricket.
“They took the game away from us in the powerplay and credit to them for that. There were a couple of things that we could have done better but it’s very easy to sit out and say those things.”
“Some chances came early our way, couldn’t grab those but in hindsight I think there are some areas that we need to work on as a group. (On Vaibhav Suryavanshi) It was his day. His hitting was just tremendous and he made full use of his day,” said Gill (Via aforementioned source).
Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to face SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their next match on Friday, May 2.
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