IPL 2025: Parthiv Patel Confirms No Changes Needed in Gujarat Titans' Strategy
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Synopsis
As Gujarat Titans gear up for IPL 2025, assistant coach Parthiv Patel expresses confidence in the team's preparations and strategy, ready to face Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium. He emphasizes sticking to their successful approach from the past three years.
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat Titans well-prepared for IPL 2025.
- Focus on assessing and adapting to conditions.
- Strong middle-order replacements for David Miller.
- Parthiv Patel's transition from player to assistant coach.
- Balance of data and instinct in coaching approach.
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) As the IPL 2025 campaign commences for the 2022 champions, Gujarat Titans, they are set to face the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Assistant coach Parthiv Patel emphasized that the team has thoroughly prepared and is ready to confront any challenges ahead.
“We conducted a couple of camps before arriving in Ahmedabad. We had two five-day camps in Surat, where the facilities were exceptional. Everyone has put in considerable effort there. Regarding batting, each player has faced numerous deliveries, ensuring ample practice. The focus has been on hitting the cricket ball effectively,” shared Patel.
“Since March 10, we've been training in Ahmedabad and have even played some practice matches. We’ve been careful about not disclosing too much on social media. However, I firmly believe we are well-prepared and ready for the IPL,” Patel mentioned during a virtual interaction with IANS on Monday.
Compared to prior IPL seasons, Punjab Kings has emerged as a formidable squad after the mega auction last year. Patel asserted that the Gujarat Titans can meet the challenges posed by the Shreyas Iyer-led team by adhering to their established strategies.
“Our philosophy is to keep things straightforward, understanding the conditions and situations, as that will be our aim. After the auction, the Punjab Kings appeared to be a strong unit. Their leadership has changed with Shreyas and Ricky Ponting at the helm, a tandem that excelled with DC. However, we will focus on executing our strategies effectively,” he stated.
Following their championship win in 2022 and runner-up finish in 2023, GT had a disappointing seventh-place finish in 2024. With the inaugural weekend of IPL 2025 showcasing high-scoring matches, except for the one between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, Patel highlighted how batters will adapt to the prevailing conditions.
“We have always believed in assessing and adapting to the conditions, as that defines our cricketing approach. This has been our playing style for the past three years and has yielded considerable success,” Patel noted.
“Having secured a title one year and narrowly lost in the final the next, last year was less favorable. However, our success ratio remains high. Thus, there’s no need to alter our approach from the past three years,” he added.
“That said, while scores of 200, 250, and even 280 have been recorded, conditions play a crucial role. For instance, in Chennai yesterday, the conditions made scoring 150-200 challenging. Hence, understanding conditions and situations is vital, and that’s our belief.”
Although GT no longer has David Miller in their lineup, Patel believes that players like Sherfane Rutherford, Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan can fill the void in the middle order.
“I don’t foresee any issues. Parting with a player who has performed exceptionally is tough, but auction dynamics sometimes necessitate such decisions. We had to let go of David Miller, but we’ve acquired Sherfane Rutherford, a capable hitter,” he explained.
“Additionally, we have Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan, who have both excelled for GT. While replacing a player like David Miller is challenging, we have individuals equipped to fulfill that role effectively.”
As the assistant coach at GT, this is Parthiv’s first coaching role in the IPL. Having played as an opener-keeper for six franchises from 2008 to 2019, he won the championship three times: once with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and twice with Mumbai Indians in 2015 and 2017. After his playing career ended in 2020, he transitioned to an IPL commentator before taking the assistant coach position with GT.
“It’s fantastic to be back on the field. I’ve done some coaching with MI Emirates in the ILT20 and completed my level two coaching course as well. Coaching an IPL team has always been a dream, and when this opportunity arose, I was thrilled,” he expressed.
“Moreover, despite having played for numerous franchises, I never represented my home state, Gujarat, where I played cricket for 15-20 years. Returning to coach my home team is something I’m immensely grateful for. I’m eager to embrace this coaching role, but commentary will continue to be a part of my journey after IPL,” he concluded.
With this being his inaugural coaching experience in an IPL team, Parthiv shared how he balances data analysis with instinctive coaching. “I enjoy analyzing statistics, reviewing videos, and taking notes to present my insights to the players,” he stated.
“If a player inquires about a particular bowler, I have my notes prepared. While I do consider data, it is subjective. I don’t impose data on anyone; it depends on the player’s perspective. It’s about meeting players’ needs efficiently.”
“However, as a coach, I ensure I’m fully prepared, and that’s my approach. Every coach has their unique methodology, and I strive to be well-equipped so that if a player requires assistance, I’m ready with my research and notes,” he added.
