"You expect Shubman to perform well nine out of ten times": Aakash Chopra backs Shubman Gill after defeat against Punjab Kings

New Delhi [India] March 26 (ANI): Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has analysed Shubman Gill's innings in the fifth match of Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL) where Punjab Kings(PBKS) were taking on Gujarat Titans (GT). Speaking on Jio Hotstar he said the people expected Shubman to excel nine out of ten occasions, particularly in Ahmedabad.
He also spoke about Gill taking on Azmatullah Omarzai and then Marco Jansen in the powerplay.
"With Shubman, you almost expect him to perform well nine out of ten times, especially in Ahmedabad. There was one over where he completely took down Azmatullah Omarzai and then Marco Jansen." Jio Star expert Aakash Chopra said while speaking on Match Center Live on Jio Hostar.
Chopra believes Shubman Gill's dismissal by Glenn Maxwell was a result of his aggressive approach while chasing a high target. He said Gill's performance was promising and suggests he could be a strong contender for the Orange Cap this year.
"As for his dismissal of Glenn Maxwell, you can't be too critical. When chasing 240+, there's only one way to play--you keep going, and you don't stop. High-risk cricket comes with the consequence that, sometimes, you'll get out. But while he was at the crease, he looked very good. This is a promising sign for the Gujarat Titans. Last season was a middling one for him, but this year, I expect him to be a strong contender for the Orange Cap." he added.
In their opening game GT suffered a narrow 11-run defeat against PBKS. Gujarat got off to a strong start, with openers Sai Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill putting together a 61-run stand. However, Glenn Maxwell provided Punjab with a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Gill for 33.
Gill scored 33 runs off just 14 bowls with three sixes and two fours, he took on the bowlers right from the first over and was looking in a solid rhythm before falling to Maxwell.
Shreyas Iyer led his team to an exhilarating 11-run victory with a a match-deciding effort, remaining not out with a score of 97 off just 42 balls.
Shashank Singh also played a vital role with a strong innings of 44 runs off merely 16 balls, attacking the bowling from the very start of his innings. The lively PBKS duo of Shreyas and Shashank amassed 77 runs in the last four overs, leaving GT unsettled in their backyard. (ANI)