Gill Reveals Tactics for Last Ball: Slower Delivery Proved to be a Game-Changer for Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans’ Thrilling Victory Over Delhi Capitals

The Gujarat Titans have finally secured their first win in the IPL 2026, and it was a thrilling match that went down to the wire. With five balls to spare, the Titans managed to clinch the game, thanks to a clever tactic employed by their captain, Shubman Gill. In a post-match interview, Gill revealed that the team had discussed the possibility of bowling a slower delivery on the last ball, and it proved to be a game-changer.

The Turning Point: A Slower Bouncer

With two balls to go and two runs needed, Delhi Capitals’ David Miller declined an easy single, giving the Titans a glimmer of hope. Gill later revealed that the team had been discussing whether to go for a yorker or a slower delivery, and they decided on the latter. The slower bouncer, bowled by Prasidh Krishna, beat the bat and Jos Buttler’s direct hit finished the game. According to Gill, the slower delivery was a conscious choice, given the state of the wicket.

"We were just discussing whether to go for the yorker or to go for the slower one, we decided that given the wicket how it’s playing, the slower one, a good slower one will be difficult to hit for a boundary," Gill explained.

A Strong Batting Performance

The victory was set up by the Titans’ batters, with three of the top four – Gill, Buttler, and Washington Sundar – making fifties. At 168 for 2 after 16 overs, they were poised for a massive finish but managed to make 42 in the last four overs. However, this also indicated that Delhi Capitals would find it tough to chase down the target.

"Very pleased [with the batting]," Gill said. "We always thought 210 on this [pitch] we are 10-15 runs above par. Even when we were batting in the death, it wasn’t easy to hit the big boundaries given the slowness of the wicket. We thought if we bowled well, we should be able to win this one."

Buttler’s Return to Form

It was a welcome return to form for Jos Buttler, who had scored just 87 runs across eight innings in the T20 World Cup and was unable to convert starts in the first two games of the IPL. Buttler admitted that he had been searching for runs but was confident that they would come back at some point.

"Great to get the win, blind squirrels and all that," Buttler said. "Very lucky throw but, obviously delighted, we desperately needed a win. So, glad we managed to sneak through.

[Feeling] good, been searching for them [runs] a little bit. Felt in good touch actually, since I’ve been here. I’ve played for long enough to know that it’ll come back at some point. You just gotta keep working through it.

Buttler also emphasized the importance of starting well in the tournament, given the intense competition for the four playoff spots. "It’s a long tournament, you need to start well. There’s only four playoff spots, so it’s intense competition and we desperately needed some points on the board and give some good confidence to the boys there to get a win."

What’s Next for the Gujarat Titans?

The Gujarat Titans’ next game is against the Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on April 12. With their first win under their belt, the team will be looking to build on this momentum and secure more points in the tournament.

Key Takeaways from the Match

• The Gujarat Titans secured their first win in the IPL 2026, defeating the Delhi Capitals in a thrilling match.
• The team’s captain, Shubman Gill, revealed that the slower delivery on the last ball was a conscious choice, given the state of the wicket.
• The Titans’ batters, including Gill, Buttler, and Washington Sundar, made significant contributions to the team’s total.
• Jos Buttler returned to form, scoring a fifty and helping the team secure a much-needed win.
• The team’s next game is against the Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on April 12.

Expert Analysis

The Gujarat Titans’ victory over the Delhi Capitals was a testament to the team’s strategic thinking and clever tactics. The decision to bowl a slower delivery on the last ball proved to be a game-changer, and the team’s batters made significant contributions to the total. With their first win under their belt, the Titans will be looking to build on this momentum and secure more points in the tournament.

The match also highlighted the importance of starting well in the tournament, given the intense competition for the four playoff spots. The Titans will need to continue playing strategically and making clever decisions if they hope to make it to the playoffs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Gujarat Titans’ victory over the Delhi Capitals was a thrilling match that showcased the team’s strategic thinking and clever tactics. With their first win under their belt, the team will be looking to build on this momentum and secure more points in the tournament. As the competition heats up, the Titans will need to continue playing strategically and making clever decisions if they hope to make it to the playoffs.