When 200-plus scores have become the norm in this edition of IPL with batters dominating the game, the two matches on Sunday were a welcome change with bowlers calling the shots.
In the afternoon game of the double-header Sunday, Gujarat Titans restricted Chennai Super Kings to 158 for 7 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, while in the evening clash, Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants played out a Super Over after the scores were tied at 155.
The day before two 200-plus totals were chased down, including the record chase of 264 runs by Punjab Kings against Delhi Capitals and the successful pursuit of 228 runs by Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals.
Gujarat Titans player Jason Holder said everyone “wants to see an even contest between bat and ball”, the West Indies allrounder said after his side’s eight-wicket win over CSK.
“It’s a funny one… yesterday, you saw 264 being chased and 228 being chased, and then today we restrict them to 158. As an avid cricket fan, you just want to see an even contest between bat and ball,” said Holder after their eight-wicket win.
Powered by Kagiso Rabada’s spell of 3 for 25, Gujarat comfortably chased down the small target in just 16.4 overs. The pitch had uneven bounce and a bit of moisture.
Holder gave away just 22 runs in his four overs, said the plan for Rabada and the rest of the bowlers was pretty straightforward.
“My message to KG was simple — just keep hitting a really good length and try not to be too short. Kagiso is a world-class bowler and he showed that today.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges bowlers face in the IPL, Holder admitted that flat decks and fast outfields often leave little margin for error.
“It’s tough in India sometimes with smaller, quicker outfields and some really good pitches. As a bowler, you’d take conditions like today, even though it’s humid. Ideally, you’d take the pitch and leave the humidity, but I’d take this any day.”
He stressed the importance of mental discipline, especially when bowlers come under sustained attack.
“It’s not easy being a bowler in the IPL. The players here are among the best in the world, and the standard keeps rising. As a bowler, you’ve got to understand your margins.
“If it’s a good shot, you move on and stick to your plans. You can’t bring back the previous ball… you just focus on the next one and minimise bad deliveries.”
Holder also pointed out that favourable conditions must be fully utilised by bowlers when they do appear.
“It’s not easy, but as bowlers we have to find a way. And when conditions help, you must make it count, that’s my mindset.”
