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Shubman Gill's 86* Powers GT to Win, Eyes Better Finishes After KKR Victory

Shubman Gill led from the front with an unbeaten 86 to guide Gujarat Titans to a five-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite the win, Gill expressed disappointment at not finishing the chase even earlier and getting out before the end. The victory marks GT's third consecutive win, propelling them to fourth in the points table, while KKR remains at the bottom. Gill's form has been stellar, earning him the Player of the Match award and the Orange Cap for most runs this season.

Key Points: Gill Leads GT to Win Over KKR, Wants Better Finishes

  • Gill's 86* anchors chase
  • GT secures third straight win
  • Gill claims Orange Cap from Kohli
  • KKR remains winless at bottom
  • Gill worked on mental & tactical game
2 min read

IPL 2026: Ideally, we would have liked to finish at least an over before, says GT skipper Gill

GT skipper Shubman Gill scored 86* in a win over KKR but wants to finish games earlier. GT moves to 4th in IPL 2026 points table.

"Ideally, we would have liked to finish at least an over, a couple of overs before. - Shubman Gill"

Ahmedabad, April 18

Shubman Gill may have led Gujarat Titans to a convincing five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders, but the skipper admitted there was still room for improvement in how his side closed out the chase.

Gill starred with a fluent 86 off 50 balls at the Narendra Modi Stadium, anchoring the pursuit of 181 with eight fours and four sixes as GT got home in 19.4 overs. Despite the comfortable result, the opener wasn't entirely satisfied with the finish.

"Ideally, we would have liked to finish at least an over, a couple of overs before, and I was quite disappointed with the way I got out. I wanted to be there till the end and finish it. Hopefully, the next chance I get, I would be able to do that," Gill said after the match.

The victory marked Gujarat Titans' third consecutive win of the season, following earlier victories against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. With six points from five games, GT moved up to fourth on the points table. KKR, on the other hand, remained winless at the bottom with just one point.

Gill's performance has been essential to GT's success. His latest innings earned him the Player of the Match award and allowed him to take the Orange Cap from Virat Kohli. The GT captain now has 251 runs in four matches, boasting an average of 62.75, which includes three half-centuries.

Reflecting on his preparation ahead of the season, Gill revealed that a focused break helped elevate his game beyond just technique. "I got a couple of months before this. And fitness was one thing that I worked on. And apart from that, just working on the mental aspect of the game and trying to get better, not just technically, but tactically as well," he added.

Gill also lauded Mohammad Siraj and Kagiso Rabada for their exceptional nowlibg effort.

"Honestly, the way both of them (Siraj and Rabada) were bowling was like they could get a wicket off every ball and giving them one extra over worked for us. I could see the ball was nipping a bit. I asked both of them whether they are okay to bowl an extra over as it was very hot out there and never easy to bowl three overs on the trot."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
While I appreciate his honesty, I think he's being a bit too hard on himself. They won with 2 balls to spare, it's not like they scraped through on the last ball! The team is winning, that's what matters most. Enjoy the victory, Shubman!
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Aman W
His focus on the mental and tactical side, not just technique and fitness, is so refreshing. Indian cricket needs more thinkers like him at the helm. That clarity is showing in his batting and captaincy. Future India captain material for sure.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see him take the Orange Cap from Kohli! The passing of the torch moment? Both are phenomenal players. Gill's consistency this season has been outstanding. GT looks like a very balanced and well-led unit.
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Karthik V
As a KKR fan, this hurts to read 😅 But you have to admire Gill's class. We let him go and now he's thrashing us as an opponent captain. That innings was a masterclass. Hope KKR can bounce back soon, the season is getting away from us.
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Nikhil C
The real story is GT's bowling attack. Siraj and Rabada on song is a nightmare for any batting line-up. Gill using them smartly in the heat won them the match early by restricting KKR. The chase, while stylish, was just the icing.

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