This victory propelled them to the top of the standings, significantly boosting their net run rate with an 82-run win.
“Every season, the aim is to perform to the best of your abilities. I’ve received strong backing and it’s clear what my responsibility is: leave it all out for the team. Rhythm is crucial,” Rabada shared with the broadcaster after the match.
“Absolutely,” he responded when asked if a Test match length was the right tactic for bowling.
“They demonstrated how to bowl on this pitch, and we attempted to mimic that. The wicket became a bit sticky, and patience along with simplicity proved effective,” he added.
Jason Holder, the Caribbean fast bowler, also claimed three wickets, effectively using the older ball to prevent Hyderabad from finding a way back into the match.
Discussing his collaborations with other bowlers, Rabada emphasized the need to understand the pitch’s characteristics for their success.
“It’s about bowling as much as possible while also conserving energy to stay match-ready. We need to find a way to connect and adapt to the pitch conditions accordingly,” he noted.
“Each of us has our unique strengths, and it’s about maximizing our potential without looking too far ahead. If one approach isn’t yielding results, it’s time to explore alternatives,” the South African pacer added.
Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill remarked that his team does not aim to play a specific style of cricket, instead opting to adapt to prevailing conditions.
“We bowled exceptionally well. We knew that if we executed our bowling well, we would remain competitive. We discussed that if we reached around 160-170, it wouldn’t be easy for them with our bowling attack. Thanks to Sai and Washy, we got close to 170,” he stated.
“The way we bowled during the powerplay was impressive; credit to both bowlers. Consistency and ruthlessness are key. We are not a team that adheres to a particular style; we assess the conditions,” Gill added.
GT will face off against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on May 16, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will visit them on May 21. With 16 points from 12 matches, their playoff spot appears well secured for now.
(With PTI inputs)
