- May 23, 2025
The Gujarat Titans were, not long ago, comfortably in the top two in the IPL, as was expected from a team that we felt could easily belong there. Their top order was firing, Rashid Khan was doing his thing, and whilst the middle-order had not exactly revealed itself, that was more of a tell than a fear. But everything has changed. Two uninspiring performances later, confidence has turned into caution, and doubts are starting to creep in. As the pressure begins to build in the playoffs, the question is again relevant: can GT even fail to finish in the top two? It’s time to take a deep dive into the form, weaknesses, and what to expect.
Middle Order: Still a Question Mark or Finally Waking Up?
The topic of the middle-order has been a topic of controversy all year. The job has mostly been done by the top order of GT with Shubman Gill, and what happens when the top order does not fire? That was what happened in the challengers’ most recent game, the Titans had the luxury of time in the middle-order of an innings. Unfortunately, once again, the middle-order came up short for the Titans. But there is a silver lining.
The news is Shah Rukh Khan’s gritty fifty. He was only doing cameo finishes, or was sitting on a bench! But, given the chance, he was cool and ready. One of the commentators even mentioned that this knock is like a “real bonus”, both to the team and the confidence of the middle order, in critical business-end games.
Bowling Blues: Rashid and Siraj Under the Spotlight
Now let’s discuss what was once GT’s comfort zone: their bowling. For a large part of IPL 2023, and for the beginning part of this season, their bowling unit was a fearsome unit. However, things have changed.
Rashid Khan, Mr. Reliable normally, was smashed to pieces by Mitch Marsh, who took him on early and got Rashid out of sync. It was a significant moment in the game and showed a rare weakness. Then throw in some sub-par spells from Mohammed Siraj (the bowler who ought to be leading GT’s bowling charge) and suddenly the GT bowling attack doesn’t look so imposing after all. Although analysts and experts are still supporting both players, especially with playoffs coming up, the third-seamer role remains a sour point all year.
The Road Ahead: What’s Still in GT’s Favor?
Sure, there are a few hiccups, but don’t think that GT does not have a lot going for them! They have a strong top three, which has scored 1500+ runs this season. They have a significant home advantage, and their next fixture is against CSK at home – a team they have a good historical record against.
They have a psychological advantage as well. This is a team that has successfully navigated ways to win when under pressure. They have been to the final, they have won the trophy, and they have all experienced the highlights of pressure moments. Yes, they dropped points in what could have been a big match for them, but the expert opinion is still the same: GT is likely to finish in the top two If they can fix the bowling and build on the form in the middle order.
With the playoffs around the corner, and every match from here on out with a little extra importance, the Titans must find their early-season swagger again. What do you think – can GT hang on, or is this the start of a slide? We would love to hear your thoughts, as this IPL season has a long way to go and the true theater is just beginning.
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