Holder's all-round craft 'immense value' to GT balance, says Bangar after RCB win
Synopsis
Shubman Gill's explosive 43 off 18 balls set the tone as Gujarat Titans chased down 156 against RCB in 15.5 overs. But it was Jason Holder's dual impact — two crucial wickets and smart bowling adjustments — that drew praise from Sanjay Bangar, who called him the missing piece in GT's balance sheet. With 10 points from five matches, GT is building momentum.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Titans defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 4 wickets on 1 May 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium , Ahmedabad .
Shubman Gill smashed 43 off 18 balls to lead the chase of 156 in 15.5 overs .
Jason Holder took 2 wickets and impressed with tactical bowling adjustments; Arshad Khan claimed 3 wickets .
Sanjay Bangar praised Holder for adding "immense value" to GT's balance as an all-rounder.
GT now has 10 points from 5 matches ; face Punjab Kings on 3 May .
Gujarat Titans defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by four wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 1 May 2026, chasing down 156 in just 15.5 overs. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar singled out West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder for his decisive contribution with both bat and ball, underscoring his value to GT's campaign.
How GT won the chase
Shubman Gill, the GT captain, led from the front with a blistering 43 off 18 balls, setting the tone for an aggressive pursuit. Jos Buttler added 39, while Rahul Tewatia remained unbeaten on 27 to seal the chase with overs to spare. The strategy, according to former New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan, was deliberate: target the opening bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood early and build momentum.
Holder's dual impact
With the ball, Holder claimed two wickets as part of GT's disciplined bowling effort that restricted RCB to 155 in 19.2 overs. Arshad Khan led the attack with three wickets, while Rashid Khan also took two. Bangar praised Holder's tactical acumen, noting his ability to adjust mid-over when batters attempted unconventional shots.
What Bangar said
"An all-rounder like him, especially an overseas fast bowler, adds immense value to the balance of the side. His understanding of the game is reflected in the control he has over his lines and lengths. You saw that when a batter tried to lap him, he adjusted instantly. He's a very smart cricketer. Having led teams before, he knows how to finish games as well. Overall, he's a great addition to the GT side," Bangar said on JioStar.
McClenaghan's take on leadership
McClenaghan highlighted Gill's captaincy in orchestrating the chase. "That's the approach you need when chasing a smaller total. As Jos Buttler mentioned, Shubman Gill spoke to the top order about putting pressure on bowlers like Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. It was exceptional leadership to go out and execute that plan. They got off to a strong start, and that's where the game was won. Despite a brief middle-order collapse, most of the damage had already been done," he said.
What's next for GT
GT now sits on 10 points from five matches, strengthening their position in the standings. They face Punjab Kings on 3 May in their next fixture.
Point of View
GT has the blueprint to run deep.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Gujarat Titans beat RCB on 1 May 2026?
GT chased down RCB's 155 in just 15.5 overs, winning by 4 wickets. Shubman Gill's aggressive 43 off 18 balls set the tone, followed by Jos Buttler's 39 and Rahul Tewatia's unbeaten 27.
What was Jason Holder's role in the victory?
Holder took 2 wickets and impressed with his bowling control and tactical adjustments. Sanjay Bangar praised his ability to read the game and adjust his lines instantly when batters attempted unconventional shots.
How many points does GT have after this win?
GT strengthened their position with this victory, now holding 10 points from 5 matches in the IPL 2026 standings.
What did Sanjay Bangar say about Holder?
Bangar called Holder "a great addition to the GT side," highlighting his all-round value as an overseas fast bowler, his game understanding, and his experience in finishing matches from leadership roles.
When is GT's next match?
GT will face Punjab Kings on 3 May 2026.
