New Delhi, April 9: Gujarat Titans narrowly defeated Delhi Capitals by one run in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match, and former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar felt that David Miller's hesitation towards the end of the chase proved to be decisive. He emphasized that the responsibility fell on the veteran batter, and Miller's indecision cost Delhi Capitals crucial points.
With two runs needed off the last two balls, Miller hesitated to take an easy single on the penultimate ball bowled by Prasidh Krishna. This reduced the equation to two runs needed off the final ball, and Miller missed the pull shot on Krishna's slower bouncer and attempted a single.
However, a brilliant underarm direct hit from GT wicket-keeper Jos Buttler ran out Kuldeep Yadav, securing a dramatic victory for the IPL 2022 winners at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. "You could sense how the situation unfolded when Vipraj Nigam came in. The game wasn't going to be solely about Miller, but once Vipraj was dismissed, the responsibility was entirely on Miller.
"Kuldeep Yadav handled that particular ball well and ensured Miller was on strike. Miller then produced a brilliant shot, a 106-meter six over long-off. However, there was some indecision towards the end. Initially, he looked like he would go for the run on the second-last ball, but then decided against it.
"That hesitation may have cost Delhi Capitals a chance, because the game could have gone into a Super Over depending on how the final ball played out. That indecision might have ultimately cost Delhi Capitals a couple of points," said Bangar on Star Sports.
Bangar also praised GT captain Shubman Gill's composed 70 at the top of the order, noting how his partnerships with Buttler and Washington Sundar, who hit 52 and 55 respectively, anchored the side's batting performance.
"Shubman Gill's innings was well supported from the other end, especially with Jos Buttler playing aggressively, which meant Gill didn't get much strike early in the Powerplay.
"He was 8 off his first eight balls and had the chance to settle in. He then built two important partnerships and played key shots when it mattered, including sweeping Kuldeep Yadav for six.
"He was able to bat deep and play the big shots when required. That kind of innings helps settle any doubts a batter might have, and Gill anchoring the innings at the top of the order makes a massive difference," he added.