Shubman Gill was on fire, 33 off 14, two fours, three sixes, tearing into PBKS’s attack. Powerplay king, dancing down the track, he’d just swept Maxwell for four and slogged two into the gap.
Then, the twist!
Glenn Maxwell, PBKS’s wildcard, spins one at Gill’s legs from round the wicket—tossed up, tempting. Gill flicks, too eager, closes the face early—whack, a thick leading-edge soars skyward! Priyansh Arya at cover wobbles, teeters, but clings on at 5.5 overs, GT 52/1. Maxwell strikes gold again—Shreyas Iyer’s powerplay gamble pays off as GT’s captain trudges off, brilliance snuffed out!
Shubman Gill departs after a quickfire cameo!
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2025
Glenn Maxwell gives #PBKS their first breakthrough 💪#GT are 61/1 at the end of the powerplay.
Updates ▶ https://t.co/PYWUriwSzY#TATAIPL | #GTvPBKS pic.twitter.com/ezZDasFKFv
The Delivery
- Bowler: Glenn Maxwell (PBKS), right-arm off-break.
- Ball: Tossed up, full on the legs, ~80 kph—Maxwell’s crafty dip (BBL 186.78 SR shows his guile).
- Situation: GT cruising at 50/0 after 5.4 overs—Gill’s 31 off 12 had PBKS reeling (73-run powerplay precedent).
The Shot
- Gill’s Move: Charged Maxwell, aiming to flick through mid-wicket. His 426-run 2024 IPL form screamed intent.
- Flaw: Closed the bat face too soon—leading-edge popped up. Flat pitch, no turn, just pure misjudgment.
The Catch
- Fielder: Priyansh Arya—nervy under the skyscraper, but held firm at cover.
- Impact: Gill’s 33(14) ends—GT stumble early, Maxwell’s 1/13 in the over shifts the tide.
Pitch & Context
- Surface: Narendra Modi Stadium’s batting dream—200+ chases common (web ID 12). Gill thrived till Maxwell’s spin bit.
- Tactic: Shreyas, fencing the boundary, trusted Maxwell’s powerplay ploy—genius move.
