Mumbai: In a tightly contested encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Gujarat Titans showcased resilience and determination despite falling just short of victory. The match, defined by fluctuating momentum and challenging pitch conditions, turned into a gripping battle that extended to the final over—highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s tournament. With several high-scoring games dominating the early phase of the season, this clash stood out for its tactical depth, where both batters and bowlers had to adapt constantly to changing conditions.
Post-match, Assistant Coach Parthiv Patel addressed the media, offering insights into the team’s performance, the impact of weather on the pitch, and key moments that shaped the outcome. He emphasized the importance of fighting spirit, especially in a game where conditions were far from ideal for batting fluency. Patel also reflected on individual performances, including the promise shown by emerging players and the challenges posed by opposition batters. While the result may not have gone in their favor, his remarks suggested a positive outlook within the camp, underlining that such hard-fought matches can set the tone for stronger performances as the tournament progresses.
On Taking the Match to the Final Over
Q: It was your first game this season, and we’ve seen several matches being chased down comfortably. This one went down to the last over. Your thoughts?
Parthiv Patel:
“Yes, as a team, you always want to fight till the end—and that’s exactly what the players did. We’re very happy with the way we stretched the game to the last over. These are the kind of efforts that build confidence early in the tournament.”
On Pitch Conditions and Batting Challenges
Q: You had a strong start, but the scoring slowed down later. Was it due to the pitch or weather conditions?
Parthiv Patel:
“It wasn’t the easiest wicket to bat on. There has been rain here for the last three to four days, so credit to the groundsmen for preparing a playable surface. As the game progressed, the ball started reversing and holding up a bit, which made batting difficult after the powerplay. Their bowlers also adapted really well to the conditions.”
On Opposition Batter Conley’s Impact
Q: Do you think getting Conley out earlier could have changed the outcome?
Parthiv Patel:
“Ideally, yes—we would have liked to get him out earlier. But he’s a quality international player. We had our plans, but he executed his game really well, got into good positions, and counter-attacked effectively.”
On Batting Approach Compared to Punjab
Q: Punjab has been playing fearless cricket. Do you think your approach, especially in the death overs, cost you the match?
Parthiv Patel:
“I wouldn’t say that. Every team adapts differently depending on conditions. This wasn’t a typical high-scoring surface where you could just go out and attack. It required a more calculated approach.”
On Preference for Match Conditions
Q: Do you prefer mid-range totals (160-170) or high-scoring games (240+)?
Parthiv Patel (smiling):
“Whichever match gives us two points—we prefer that! It doesn’t matter whether it’s a 140 chase or a 200-plus game. Conditions play a huge role in T20 cricket. As long as it’s competitive and entertaining, and we end up on the winning side, that’s what matters.”
On Rising Talent Ashok Sharma
Q: Your thoughts on Ashok Sharma’s performance?
Parthiv Patel:
“He’s an exciting prospect. We’ve seen his performances in domestic cricket, and he has genuine pace and strong character. Even after going for runs early on, he came back and bowled a crucial 18th over. That shows temperament. He’s a proper athlete, and we’re quite excited about him.”
Despite falling short, Gujarat Titans showcased resilience in a tightly fought contest. With encouraging individual performances and a fighting spirit, the team appears to be building momentum early in the season.
