Could GT's Loss Against SRH Drop Them to Third or Fourth?

New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar commented on GT’s setback against Lucknow Super Giants, indicating that this defeat could potentially drop the Shubman Gill-led team to the third or even fourth spot. He emphasized that GT must secure a win in their upcoming league match and rely on other teams losing to conclude the league phase strongly.

The performance of GT's bowlers was underwhelming as LSG amassed a staggering 235/2 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Shahrukh Khan made a quickfire fifty (57 off 29 balls), supported by contributions from Sherfane Rutherford (38), captain Gill (35), and Jos Buttler (33), which kept GT competitive, but they ultimately fell short by 33 runs.

Despite this loss, GT remains at the top of the leaderboard with 18 points from 13 games. However, they risk slipping to third or fourth as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings sit in second and third place, each with 17 points and two matches left to play. GT, in contrast, has only one game remaining in the league.

“Allowing 235 runs made victory difficult. However, the middle order, particularly Rutherford and Shahrukh, almost turned the tide. With 24 balls and 54 runs needed and 7 wickets in hand, the batting team would typically be favored. They must be frustrated for not finishing stronger. They now need to win their final game and hope that two other teams stumble. This defeat could indeed see them drop to third or even fourth,” said Bangar on JioHotstar.

Aakash Chopra, another former cricketer, noted the pressure mounting on GT’s batting lineup as they approach the IPL playoffs, stating, “Jos Buttler will exit after the playoffs, and Kusal Mendis will step into the number three position. This increases the pressure on Rutherford and Shahrukh. They performed well today, keeping GT in the match, but the quality of the bowling they faced is questionable. The standards will elevate in the playoffs.”

“Rahul Tewatia hasn’t made a significant impact this season. For the second consecutive match, GT’s top three failed to score 50 runs, which hadn’t occurred all season. It’s concerning to witness the top order faltering at this critical juncture.”

Chopra further elaborated on potential changes in the standings with the results of remaining league matches. “A shift is imminent. In the RCB vs PBKS match, I believe one of them will lose. The MI vs PBKS game is also pivotal. Don’t overlook SRH – they’ve beaten LSG and have game-changers. A monumental innings, like Marsh’s today, can alter the landscape. I wouldn’t be shocked if the top four looks entirely different.”

Bangar added, “I don’t foresee RCB dropping out of the top two. The second spot, however, is still up for grabs – Punjab Kings could certainly seize it.”

It was Mitchell Marsh's incredible performance that led LSG to a decisive victory over GT. He scored his first IPL century (117 off 56 balls), propelling LSG to an impressive total of 235/2.

Chopra commended Marsh’s comeback this IPL, stating, “He was acquired at a bargain – a steal – and such situations can motivate players. Previously, he carried a hefty price tag with minimal returns. This year, he’s approached the game differently. The Ekana pitch suits him well – the ball flows nicely. And those sixes? When he connects, they truly connect. His shot selection has also shown significant improvement. He’s displaying genuine class.”