Mohit Sharma should have been recognized as the Player of the Match for the Gujarat Titans victory against the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024 as suggested by Irfan Pathan. Interestingly GT skipper Shubman Gill was preferred over the seamer for the accolade.
The Titans set CSK a 232-run target after being chosen to bat first in Ahmedabad on Friday, May 10. Mohit then took 3/31 in four overs as the hosts held Ruturaj Gaikwad and company to 196/8, securing a 35-run victory to keep their playoff qualifying chances alive.
Irfan Pathan said that Mohit bowled the game-changing spell during his Star Sports review of the game.
“He (Mohit) was the Man of the Match according to me because it was a flat pitch and a high-scoring game. The losing team also scored close to 200 runs. There Mohit Sharma bowled his variations with control, and all three of his wickets were set batters.”
Irfan Pathan
The former India all-rounder pointed out that if Daryl Mitchell or Moeen Ali hadn’t been removed, CSK may have won.
“Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali were set. If either of these two batters had stayed, this match could have been over. The match would have come closer. Considering that, it was praiseworthy bowling. Mohit Sharma comes in a different rhythm after seeing his old team.”
Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan admitted that Gujarat Titans fans may still be thrilled because their team won the game and one of their players was named Player of the Match. However, he believed that a bowler should have received the honor, particularly given Mohit’s bowling ability.
“When so many runs are scored, the bowling contribution becomes huge” – Harbhajan Singh on Mohit Sharma’s spell
Harbhajan Singh supported Irfan Pathans opinion that Mohit Sharma was truly deserving of the Player of the Match.
“The way this tournament has gone, we have seen a lot of runs being scored, and today’s match was also not low-scoring where the bowlers didn’t give runs at all. When so many runs are scored, the bowling contribution becomes huge.”
“If you concede 31 runs and take three wickets and dismiss players who can change the match on their own – Daryl Mitchell was playing very well and (Shivam) Dube is a terrific player – that spell made the difference. If someone else who didn’t have as much experience as Mohit was there, this game might have gone in Chennai’s favor. So I agree with Irfan.”
Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan commended the exceptional displays of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan celebrating their brilliant performances. Gills 104 off 55 and Sudharsans 103 off 51 formed an impressive 210run partnership at the opening for the Gujarat Titans.