Tag: MumbaiIndians

Shubman Gill’s maiden victory as Gujarat Titans skipper marked a momentous occasion for the young cricketer. In their opening match of IPL 2024, the Titans emerged victorious over Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya. Gill’s appointment as GT captain followed Pandya’s departure to MI, making his first win against his former team even more significant.

Gill’s leadership was lauded by fans and experts alike. After the match, he shared an emotional moment with his father and sister at the team hotel, a video of which has gone viral on social media.

Mumbai Indians’ inexplicable batting strategy at the death proved costly, allowing Gill to make a successful debut as captain. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance with the ball, restricting Gujarat Titans to 168/6, batters like Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya failed to capitalize on his efforts.

MI’s inability to chase down the target of 169 runs with seven wickets in hand and just 43 runs required in the last five overs highlighted their batting woes. The team’s opening game jinx continued, as their last IPL opener win came against Chennai Super Kings in 2012.

Spinners Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore kept the Mumbai batters in check, while veteran Mohit Sharma’s variations proved decisive. Spencer Johnson and Umesh Yadav’s brilliant bowling in the 19th and 20th overs sealed the victory for Gujarat Titans.

Hardik Pandya’s decision to bat at No. 7 raised eyebrows, as he could only manage a six and four in the final over. The Titans’ victory was a testament to Gill’s leadership and the team’s collective effort, while Mumbai Indians will need to address their batting concerns to improve their chances in the tournament.

Hardik Pandya’s return to Ahmedabad as Mumbai Indians face Gujarat Titans, the franchise he led for two seasons, has set the stage for an intriguing encounter. After Pandya’s departure for Mumbai, Gujarat promoted Shubman Gill as their skipper. On Sunday, Gill and Pandya will reunite as MI travel to Ahmedabad for their opening game of the season against GT.

Gill acknowledged the dynamic shift in IPL dynamics and expressed excitement about facing Pandya at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Before the match, Gill shared his admiration for some of India’s finest captains. While he hasn’t played under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, he has been inspired by the wicket-keeper batter’s leadership. “I haven’t played under Mahi Bhai (MS Dhoni) as such, but watching him as a kid go about things on the field, he is my inspiration,” Gill said.

Gill also looked up to Virat Kohli but has played most of his Team India career under Rohit Sharma. “I have played under Virat (Kohli) Bhai as well, but I have played most of my cricket under Rohit (Sharma) Bhai and there are a lot of qualities I will be picking personally from him,” the 24-year-old added.

Gill expressed confidence in Gujarat’s home advantage against Mumbai Indians. “It is amazing to play against Mumbai Indians, who have won the title five times. But playing them in Ahmedabad, we haven’t lost a match here against MI, so hopefully we are going to continue the streak,” he explained.

Regarding Pandya, under whom Gill has played both in the Indian team and Gujarat Titans, Gill anticipates an exciting challenge. “It is going to be exciting. Hardik (Pandya) bhai is someone, who I have played under in the Indian team as well as at GT. So it is going to be an exciting and fantastic dynamic,” Gill asserted.

Gill expressed his hope for a packed stadium and a thrilling atmosphere. “Hopefully it is going be a hundred and ten thousand people cheering for us and there is nothing better than that,” he said.