Without Jos Buttler in the last games, GT’s middle over might be tested but Matthew Wade thinks it will allow others to enjoy some big moments. Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Buttler at the top of the Gujarat order have been important to their campaign with all three making over 500 runs this season. GT will not have Buttler for the playoffs since he will resume national duty following their final league match against CSK on May 25.
Wade Backs GT’s Middle-Order
“It certainly doesn’t worry us, we know that those guys are in terrific form when they’ve got the opportunity and that they’ll do a great job for us,” said Wade during the pre-match press conference.
“It’d be nice if the top three keeps scoring the majority of the runs. We’re going to lose Jos after a few more games so there’s going to be another opportunity for someone to come in at three and take that role over.
Also Read: RCB’s Road To IPL 2025 Final: Here’s What RCB Needs To Do To Stay In Top 2 And Play Qualifier 1
“But I’m really confident that those guys, when they get their opportunity, they’ll make a big impact in the games like they have when they’ve been needed over the last six or eight weeks.” Wade, a former Australia T20 World Cup-winning wicketkeeper-batter who has played 12 IPL matches for GT, said while it is difficult to replicate match situations in practice, the team is trying to give the middle-order batters adequate preparation.
GT’s Bench Strength Ready To Fire
“The positive thing is the middle order — Sherfane (Rutherford) and Shahrukh (Khan), guys like that, (Rahul) Tewatia — they’ve had good impact in games when they’ve got the opportunity, they just haven’t got a lot of game time over the last few weeks.
GT, who sit at the top of the table, will next face Lucknow Super Giants, a team already out of playoff contention.
Also Read: ‘The Issue Is…’ Reports Gives Insight On ICC To Reconsider Indo-Pak Groupings
“I think sometimes when teams’ seasons are over they almost become a little bit more dangerous, they tend to free up a little bit and they’ve got an opportunity to finish their tournaments really strongly as well,” he said referring to LSG.
