Mumbai: Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill admitted that poor fielding proved costly in his team’s crushing 92-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 at HPCA Stadium. GT dropped three catches during the match, including a crucial chance of RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who went on to smash an unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls and played a decisive role in Bengaluru’s massive victory. Patidar was dropped on 20 when Kagiso Rabada failed to hold onto a catch at deep square leg off the bowling of Prasidh Krishna. Gujarat Titans also missed a run-out opportunity during the innings.
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Speaking after the defeat, Gill said his side was doing reasonably well until the middle overs before sloppy fielding and poor ground work shifted momentum in RCB’s favour. He admitted that although fielding standards are regularly discussed during practice sessions and team meetings, GT failed to execute under pressure.
Gill also felt the chase could still have been possible had Gujarat secured a strong start during the powerplay. However, the early dismissals of Gill and Sai Sudharsan left GT struggling, with half the side back in the pavilion inside the powerplay overs. Despite the defeat, Gujarat Titans remain in contention and will now travel to New Chandigarh to face the winner of the Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2.
