Data Shorts: Playoffs-bound GT grapple with bowling blues

Gujarat Titans' Bowling Blues in IPL 2025

Gujarat Titans, a team known for their top-order brilliance, are struggling with their bowling in IPL 2025. Despite having a strong batting lineup, their bowlers have been unable to contain the opposition, leading to a potential top-two finish slipping out of their hands.

Bowling Averages and Economy Rate

In eight matches where they have bowled first, GT have conceded an average of 198, the third-most among all teams. This is a significant downgrade from their previous editions, making it their worst season on the bowling front in terms of averages and economy rate.

GT Bowling Statistics (by Edition)

Rashid Khan's Struggles

Rashid Khan, the leading wicket-taker in Men's T20s, has conceded 31 sixes in IPL 2025, the joint-most in an IPL edition. His dipping returns have compounded the woes of GT's bowling department.

Spin Bowling Statistics

GT's economy rate of 9.47 is only exceeded by Sunrisers Hyderabad among the 10 teams this season. The good-length was the most effective for GT spinners across the first five matches, yielding nine of the 13 wickets at an economy of 7.

Death Overs and Fielding

While Prasidh has been effective in death overs, others have been taken apart. In the last nine games, the 55 balls pitched in the slot (half-volley or at a good length) went at 13.54 runs per over. The team's fielding has also been a concern, with 19 catches dropped in the next nine games, resulting in a catching efficiency of 66%.

Consistency in Bowling

T20 tournaments have often been won with sustained consistency from bowlers. GT themselves experienced this in 2022 and very nearly in 2023. This year, they have been excellent with their batting upfront, but Jos Buttler's unavailability for playoffs adds a major void.