GT bowlers had a challenging day at office as LSG posted 235\/2 in their 20 overs. In reply, Shahrukh Khan slammed a blazing fifty (57 off 29 balls), along with contributions from Sherfane Rutherford (38), captain Gill (35) and Jos Buttler (33), which kept GT in the hunt, however, it wasn\u2019t enough as they fell short by 33 runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the defeat, GT are still placed at the top of the standings with 18 points from 13 games. But there are chances they would be dropped to third or foruth as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings are placed second and third, respectively, with 17 points each and have two games in their hands. GT, however, has just one game left in the league stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cConceding 235 put the game slightly out of reach. But the middle order \u2013 especially Rutherford and Shahrukh \u2013 brought them close. At 24 balls and 54 runs needed with 7 wickets in hand, you'd back the batting side these days. They\u2019ll be disappointed not to finish stronger. Now, they must win the final game and hope two other teams drop points. This loss could push them to third or even fourth on the table,\" Bangar said on JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted the pressure on GT\u2019s batting depth heading into the IPL play-offs and said, \"Jos Buttler will leave after the play-offs, and Kusal Mendis will slot in at No. 3. That puts added pressure on Rutherford and Shahrukh. They did well today, kept GT in the game, but the bigger question is \u2013 what was the quality of bowling they faced? In the play-offs, that standard goes up.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Rahul Tewatia hasn't made much of an impact this season. And for the second game in a row, GT\u2019s top three failed to cross 50 \u2013 something that hadn\u2019t happened all season. It\u2019s worrying to see the top order lose steam at the business end.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chopra further discussed how the top two spots may shuffle with the results of the remaining league fixtures.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"A change is coming. RCB vs PBKS \u2013 I think one of them drops a game. MI vs PBKS is also crucial. Don\u2019t rule out SRH \u2013 they beat LSG and have game-changers. One big innings, like Marsh\u2019s today, can shake things up. I won\u2019t be surprised if the top four look completely different,\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangar added,\"I don\u2019t see RCB falling out of the top two. The second spot, however, is still wide open \u2013 Punjab Kings can certainly grab it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It was Mitchell Marsh's masterclass that powered LSG to a clinical victory over GT. He slammed his maiden IPL century (117 off 56 balls) as LSG posted a mammoth score of 235\/2.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangar added,\"I don\u2019t see RCB falling out of the top two. The second spot, however, is still wide open \u2013 Punjab Kings can certainly grab it.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n