In a crucial match that would determine the table topper of IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans were expected to deliver a top-class performance. Electing to bowl first, they got off to a promising start when Ryan Rickelton was dismissed off just the second ball of the innings. However, what looked like the beginning of a dominant outing quickly turned into a fielding nightmare for the Titans.
Just two balls after the first breakthrough, Will Jacks was given a lifeline when Sai Sudharsan, the same fielder who had taken the opening catch, dropped a straightforward chance. Jacks hadn’t even opened his account at that point. The sloppiness continued as Sai Kishore missed another catch, this time off Suryakumar Yadav, who flicked one straight to short mid-wicket — another opportunity squandered.
Things unraveled further for Gujarat in the next over. Mohammed Siraj dropped an absolute sitter at mid-wicket, gifting Will Jacks yet another reprieve. Arshad Khan, the bowler, was visibly dejected, while captain Shubman Gill could only cover his face in disbelief. As the Mumbai Indians capitalized on these lapses, they wrapped up the powerplay at a strong 56/2 — a score that could’ve looked very different had GT held onto their chances.
These repeated errors on the field were in stark contrast to Gujarat Titans’ sharp performance just a match earlier against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their fielding in that game had drawn praise for its precision and discipline, making this sudden drop in standards all the more shocking. With dropped catches coming from key fielders, questions began to surface about focus and pressure handling.
— Mahesh Jha (@MaheshJha719257) May 6, 2025
Fans on Twitter were quick to react to the dismal display, expressing disbelief at how a team vying for the top spot could be so sloppy in such a critical game.
Memes and criticism flooded timelines, with many highlighting how fielding errors can shift the momentum in T20 cricket. What could have been a tight contest slipped away early, largely due to Gujarat Titans’ inability to hold onto catches when it mattered most.