The Gujarat Titans, champions of IPL 2022 and runners-up in 2023, have built a reputation as one of the most consistent and composed teams in recent IPL history. However, the 2025 season has exposed a critical flaw in their campaign — their struggles while chasing targets. Unlike their earlier seasons where they thrived under pressure and successfully closed out tight run-chases, this year has seen a noticeable dip in their ability to finish games when batting second.
Chasing has traditionally been considered a strength for the Titans, especially with players like Shubman Gill, David Miller, and Rahul Tewatia forming the core of their batting lineup. In previous seasons, the team demonstrated a calm and methodical approach to targets, often absorbing pressure before launching calculated assaults in the final overs. But in IPL 2025, that successful formula has not worked. Gujarat has lost several matches where they were set chaseable targets, including some games that were well within reach at the halfway mark.
One of the key reasons behind this poor chasing form is the inconsistency at the top of the order. Shubman Gill, now captaining the side, has shown brilliance in patches but hasn’t been able to anchor chases regularly. His dismissals at crucial junctures have often left the middle order exposed earlier than planned. The lack of strong opening partnerships has disrupted the rhythm in chases, forcing the middle order to rebuild rather than accelerate.
The middle order, too, has been underwhelming. David Miller, who was instrumental in several successful chases in past seasons, has not been in the best of form this year. His failure to provide the finishing touch has added pressure on players like Tewatia and Vijay Shankar, who haven’t been able to consistently deliver under high-stakes scenarios. Even the hard-hitting lower order, once seen as a strength, has struggled to keep up with the increasing required run rates.
Another aspect that has hampered Gujarat’s chases is their inability to rotate strike during the middle overs. The team has often been bogged down by tight bowling, especially from quality spinners, which has led to rising asking rates. This, in turn, has forced risky shots and untimely dismissals, compounding the pressure. Their game management, once a hallmark of their success, now seems reactive rather than proactive.
The psychological aspect of chasing has also come into play. Losing close games early in the season appears to have dented the team’s confidence. As a result, even modest chases have looked daunting, with batters often playing with caution rather than intent. The lack of aggression during powerplays and failure to capitalize on weak overs have made matters worse.
Captaincy decisions have come under scrutiny as well. Some of the bowling changes and tactical calls during the fielding innings haven’t been ideal, resulting in opponents posting 15–20 more runs than they should have. This has put added pressure on the batting unit, especially when chasing stiff totals on less-than-ideal batting surfaces.
In conclusion, the Gujarat Titans’ failure to chase effectively in IPL 2025 is a sharp contrast to their previous reputation as chase masters. With playoffs fast approaching, they need to address this concern urgently. Whether it’s tweaking the batting order, reigniting their intent in the middle overs, or reinforcing belief in their chasing ability, solutions must come quickly. For a team that has set high standards, the current trend of falling short in chases is both surprising and disappointing — but still reversible.
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