The dangerous Mumbai Indians (MI) continue to prove why they are five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. In the Eliminator, held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, they first posted a massive total of 228/5 in 20 overs. Then, while defending the score, they struck early by dismissing Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Shubman Gill in the very first over—for just 1 run.
Trent Boult gave MI a dream start, swinging one in full on middle and leg. Shubman Gill attempted a premeditated slog across the line, missed, and was struck flush on the pad. The umpire raised his finger instantly. Gill reviewed, hoping it pitched outside leg, but ball tracking confirmed it didn't. The decision stood and this marked Gill's first-ever single-digit score in IPL knockout matches.?
Heading into the Playoffs, both teams faced key absences especially GT who were without Jos Buttler, the star batter who scored over 500 runs in the league stage. With Gill's wicket and no Buttler in the side, fans on social media, especially X (formerly known as Twitter) declared that this game has gone in the hands of MI.
One said, "Shubman Gill Gujrat k kaptaan sirf 2 gendon k mehmaan." (Translation: Shubman Gill, Gujarat's captain, was a guest for only 2 balls.)
Another said, "First single digit for Shubman Gill in IPL knockouts, and it's over for GT."
One wrote, "It was stone dead and Shubman Gill took DRS on it lol."
Another even stated, "It's not the end for Shubman Gill, he is just 26, he can still comeback.Just enroll in a university, complete graduation and get a good job. Cricket isn't for you big bro."
Mumbai Indians (Playing XI):?Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Richard Gleeson
Impact Subs:?Krishnan Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minz, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley.?
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI):?Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Kusal Mendis(w), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Impact Subs:?Sherfane Rutherford, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, Jayant Yadav, Arshad Khan.???